A sudden inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Causes include medications, alcohol, ingestion of corrosive substances, or extreme physiological stress . Acute gastritis is often associated with a severe, acute illness, or trauma. The incidence is 8 out of 1,000 people. Control of risk factors may play a preventative role.
Treatment depends on the cause of the gastritis .
Antacids or other medications to decrease or neutralize gastric acid in the stomach will usually eliminate the symptoms and promote healing. Medications that cause gastritis should be discontinued. A gastric ulcer may be present requiring treatment. Gastritis due to physiologic stress is best treated by prevention. Medications to decrease gastric acid production such as cimetidine should be given to stressed hospital patients who are not eating.