Stress gastritis

• Illustrations
• Alternative names

• Definition

Alternative names    Return to top

Definition    Return to top

Stress gastritis is the sudden appearance of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) with ulcers and hemorrhaging, which may occur following burns, shock, trauma, or critical illness.

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