What is a common cause of Acute Gastritis?

Acute gastritis is characterized by the sudden inflammation of the stomach lining, and one of the most well-known causes of this condition is an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium specifically targets the stomach's mucosal lining, leading to inflammation and damage. It inhibits gastric mucosal defenses, allowing for gastric acid to cause irritation and injury to the stomach tissue, which results in the symptoms of gastritis.

The direct involvement of H. pylori in gastric inflammation is well-documented and recognized as a leading cause of both acute and chronic gastritis. Treatment often involves the use of antibiotics to eliminate the infection, along with medications to reduce acid production and protect the stomach lining, highlighting the role of this pathogen in the pathophysiology of gastritis. The importance of this bacterium in gastric health underscores why it is directly associated with the onset of acute gastritis.