Final answer:
Gastritis is commonly caused by chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori and the prolonged use of NSAIDs. Other contributing factors can include smoking and stress, but diet is less significant than previously thought. Viral infections and bacterial intoxication are additional causes of gastrointestinal inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gastritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach lining, can be triggered by various causes. A common culprit is the infection with the gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which can cause chronic gastritis and potentially lead to ulcers and stomach cancer. Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, is another significant cause of peptic ulcers associated with gastritis. In addition to these, other factors that may contribute include smoking tobacco and excessive stress. However, certain dietary factors previously suspected to cause ulcers, such as spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol, are now considered less influential in the development of gastritis and peptic ulcers.
Infections and intoxications of the gastrointestinal tract, such as viral gastroenteritis caused by rotaviruses, noroviruses, and astroviruses, or intoxication from bacterial toxins, can lead to symptoms like nausea and diarrhea, which are associated with gastritis. Chronic illnesses like gastritis involve pathologic changes over extended periods and require interventions such as antibiotics to eliminate persistent infections like H. pylori, and potentially antiviral treatments for hepatitis viruses if they become the cause of chronic inflammation in the digestive system.