Gastritis👉 Inflamed stomach lining
- Cause: NSAIDs, alcohol, stress, H. pylori
- Pain: burning/gnawing in the epigastric area
- Key idea: inflammation, not a hole
GERD👉 Acid going the wrong way (stomach → esophagus)
- Cause: weak LES
- Symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation, worse after meals or lying down
- Key idea: reflux, not stomach damage
Peptic Ulcer👉 Actual erosion (hole) in stomach or duodenum
- Cause: H. pylori or NSAIDs
- Pain: sharp/burning, may improve or worsen with food
- Danger: bleeding or perforation
Quick rule to remember
- Inflammation → Gastritis
- Backflow → GERD
- Hole → Ulcer