What is the condition of inflamed stomach lining called?

The condition of an inflamed stomach lining is called gastritis.

Gastritis can be short-lived or chronic, and some people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include upper-abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, reduced appetite, or heartburn. The inflammation may affect the stomach’s protective mucosal lining in different patterns, including erosive and non-erosive forms.

A common cause is infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can persist in the stomach. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can also damage the stomach’s defenses. Alcohol, severe physical stress, autoimmune disease, and bile reflux are other recognized causes.

Gastritis is often confused with a peptic ulcer, but they are not identical: gastritis is inflammation of the lining, while an ulcer is an open sore that penetrates more deeply. Doctors may investigate suspected gastritis with H. pylori tests, blood or stool tests, and upper endoscopy with biopsy. The word “gastritis” was coined in 1728 by German physician Georg Ernst Stahl.