Causes of gastritis include a range of factors that may irritate or inflame the stomach lining, including:
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori, the same bacterium that causes stomach ulcers
- The use of certain medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Alcohol abuse
- Surgery, injury or trauma
- Radiation therapy
- Stress (which may trigger gastritis in some people by increasing the production of gastric secretions)
- Extended episodes of vomiting
- Reflux of bile from the intestines into the stomach
- Some immune disorders and allergies