Gastritis is irritation and inflammation of the lining of the stomach and duodenitis is the irritation and inflammation of the lining of the duodenum. Duodenum is the beginning portion of the small intestine which just beyond the stomach. Both gastritis and duodenitis may be acute or chronic in onset. The most common symptoms are abdominal upset or pain. Other symptoms are belching, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting or a feeling of fullness or of burning in the upper abdomen.

The main cause of gastritis and duodenitis is infection from a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Gastritis and duodenitis may also be associated with other medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, bile reflux disease, parasitic infections, some connective tissue disorders, and liver or kidney failure. Stress, excessive alcohol and regular use of medications such as painkillers may trigger the conditions.

Useful herbs