What is gastritis?

Gastritis is defined as the inflammation of the stomach lining. This condition can arise due to various factors, including infections, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or stress. The inflammation can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and changes in appetite.

In contrast to the other options: a bacterial infection may lead to gastritis, but gastritis itself is specifically characterized by the inflammation of the stomach lining rather than being merely a bacterial infection. While gastritis can lead to complications like upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is not classified as a type of bleed itself. Excessive belching can be a symptom associated with gastrointestinal issues, but it does not define gastritis or describe its underlying pathological process. Understanding gastritis as an inflammatory condition of the stomach lining is crucial for grasping its implications in broader gastrointestinal health.