May also be called: Gastritis; Acute Gastritis; Chronic Gastritis Gastritis is irritation and inflammation of the lining of the stomach. More to Know Conditions that can cause irritation to the walls of the stomach include overuse of some medications, alcohol, smoking, some diseases and conditions, abdominal injuries, and some bacterial and viral infections. Gastritis can lead to peptic ulcers and cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Keep in Mind Some causes of gastritis disappear over time. Most cases of gastritis can be treated effectively with medications or lifestyle and diet changes. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Gastroesophageal Reflux When symptoms of heartburn or acid indigestion happen a lot, it could be gastroesophageal reflux (GER). And it can be a problem for kids - even newborns. Read More Peptic Ulcers Many people think that spicy foods cause ulcers, but the truth is that bacteria are the main culprit. Learn more about peptic ulcers. Read More Ulcers Doctors once thought that stress, spicy foods, and alcohol caused most stomach ulcers. But ulcers are actually caused by a particular bacterial infection, by certain medications, or from smoking. Read all about ulcers. Read More Helicobacter pylori H. pylori bacteria can cause digestive illnesses, including gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Read More Digestive System Most people think digestion begins when you first put food in your mouth. But the digestive process actually starts even before the food hits your taste buds. Read More Your Digestive System The digestive system breaks down the food you eat. Learn how in this article for kids. Read More Digestive System The digestive process starts even before the first bite of food. Find out more about the digestive system and how our bodies break down and absorb the food we eat. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.