Gastritis

Gastritis is a painful condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed and irritated due to a bacterial infection, injury, overuse of certain pain medications or excessive alcohol consumption. Left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious gastrointestinal issues including ulcers and a higher risk of stomach cancer. In children, it is most commonly caused by H. Pylori bacteria, with symptoms including an upset stomach prior to or following a meal, hiccups, bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and sometimes upper GI bleeding that results in black, tarry stools. Gastritis is typically treatable with antibiotics and avoidance of certain foods. But when chronic gastritis systems aren’t manageable with these methods, an endoscopic exam and tissue biopsy may be recommended to rule out something more serious.