Gastritis: Causes, Triggers, and How to Manage It

When your gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining. Also known as stomach inflammation, it's not just a bad meal or too much spicy food—it's a real condition that can stick around if ignored. Think of your stomach lining like the inside of a coffee mug: if you pour acid into it every day, it starts to wear down. That’s what happens with gastritis. The protective layer gets damaged, and suddenly, even plain food burns. It’s not rare. Millions deal with it, often without knowing why.

What causes it? The usual suspects are H. pylori, a common bacteria that infects the stomach and triggers chronic inflammation, long-term use of NSAIDs, like aspirin or ibuprofen, which break down the stomach’s natural shield, and excessive alcohol. But there’s also stress, autoimmune reactions, and even bile reflux. And yes, acid reflux, when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus often overlaps with gastritis—same root problem, different symptoms. Many people treat the burning chest feeling with PPIs, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or dexlansoprazole, which reduce acid production—and that helps. But if the lining is already damaged, just turning down the acid isn’t always enough.

You might think rest and antacids fix it, but that’s not the whole story. Chronic gastritis can lead to ulcers, vitamin B12 deficiency, or even increase cancer risk if left unchecked. That’s why knowing the cause matters more than just masking the pain. Some people feel better after cutting out caffeine, others need antibiotics for H. pylori. A few need to switch from daily ibuprofen to a safer pain option. The posts below don’t just list drugs—they show you what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to spot the hidden links between your stomach, your meds, and your daily habits. You’ll find real comparisons between treatments, warnings about drug interactions, and clear advice on what to ask your doctor—no fluff, no guesses, just what you need to take back control.