Definition of Stress gastritis:

Stress gastritis is swelling (inflammation) and weakening of the stomach lining that occurs during a serious illness.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Stress gastritis may occur after:

• Burns
• Severe illness
• Shock
• Trauma

The risk of stress gastritis and ulcers is highest in patients who are using a breathing machine in an intensive care unit.

Signs and tests:

If the stress gastritis is severe, it may cause ulcers and bleeding.

Unlike the typical peptic ulcer, stress ulcers may first be recognized by gastrointestinal bleeding that causes you to vomit blood or pass dark blood in the stool.

Treatment:

Your doctor can best decide whether you need medicines to prevent stress gastritis.

Prevention:

Patients usually get medicines to avoid stress gastritis if they are receiving mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit, or if they have bleeding disorders.