Acute Gastritis

Acute gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, often resulting from irritants such as alcohol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or bacterial infections, particularly Helicobacter pylori. Key clinical points include: 1) Rapid onset of symptoms such as epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia; 2) Potential complications include gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation; 3) Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and may be confirmed with endoscopy or biopsy. Acute gastritis can present in various clinical settings, often seen in emergency departments or outpatient gastroenterology clinics. Patients may report a history of recent NSAID use or excessive alcohol consumption, which are common etiological factors. The pathophysiology involves disruption of the gastric mucosal barrier, leading to inflammation and potential ulceration. Clinical presentation may vary from mild discomfort to severe abdominal pain, necessitating prompt evaluation and management.