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Stress gastritis

Digestive system
Digestive system

Definition

  

Stress gastritis is the sudden swelling of the stomach lining. It also causes ulcers and bleeding, and may occur after burns, shock, trauma, or severe illness.

Unlike the typical peptic ulcer, stress ulcers may first be recognized by gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk of stress gastritis and ulcers is highest in patients who are using a breathing machine in an intensive care unit.


Alternative Names

  
Stress ulcer

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  


Symptoms

  


Signs and tests

  


Treatment

  

Your doctor can best decide if you need medicines to avoid or treat stress gastritis. Patients usually get medicines to avoid stress gastritis if they are in the intensive care unit, or if they have bleeding disorders.


Support Groups

  


Expectations (prognosis)

  


Complications

  


Calling your health care provider

  


Prevention

  


 
Review Date: 10/13/2006
Reviewd By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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