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What causes gastritis?

The stomach lining is a wrinkled layer within the stomach that releases mucus and other substances that help to break down food. This mucus creates a protective barrier between the stomach wall and stomach acids. Gastritis occurs when a hole in the mucus barrier develops, allowing highly acidic digestive juices to pass through and damage the stomach wall. This results in inflammation that may occur suddenly or gradually over time. This process can be triggered by several different factors, including overuse of certain pain-relief medications, substance abuse, an underlying medical condition, or infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

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Author: Karen McCloskey BHSc
First answered: 23 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Votes: 1016 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Heartburn

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