Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and may present as an acute or chronic condition. Common contributing factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, excessive alcohol intake, prolonged exposure to gastric irritants, severe physiological stress, and autoimmune conditions.

Patients may experience upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, indigestion, early satiety, and loss of appetite. In chronic gastritis, symptoms may be mild or absent, allowing inflammation to progress silently. If left untreated, chronic gastritis can lead to mucosal atrophy, ulcer formation, or increased risk of gastric malignancy.

Diagnosis is typically established through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with biopsy performed when necessary to identify infection, inflammation patterns, or autoimmune changes. Early and accurate diagnosis is important to prevent long-term complications.

Management focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause, protecting the gastric lining, dietary optimization, and long-term monitoring in chronic cases. Structured follow-up and lifestyle modification play a key role in symptom control and disease prevention.