How does the lining of the stomach

You can take steps to protect yourself from infections, such as H. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Stomach and pyloric valve Open pop-up dialog box Close. Stomach and pyloric valve Your stomach is a muscular sac about the size of a small melon that expands when you eat or drink to hold as much as a gallon about 4 liters of food or liquid.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Overview of gastritis. Merck Manual Professional Version.

Accessed Nov. Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Jensen PJ, et al. Acute and chronic gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori. American College of Gastroenterology guideline on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. The stomach is made of these 5 layers:. This is the first and innermost layer or lining. It contains the glands that release digestive juices. These are called hydrochloric acid and pepsin. This is where most stomach cancers start.

This second layer supports the mucosa. Some antacids may cause diarrhea or constipation, so talk with your doctor if you experience any of these side effects. Shop for antacids online. Probiotics have been shown to help replenish digestive flora and heal gastric ulcers.

Shop for probiotic supplements online. Weakness in your stomach lining allows digestive juices to damage and inflame it, causing gastritis. Having a thin or damaged stomach lining raises your risk for gastritis. A gastrointestinal bacterial infection can also cause gastritis. The most common bacterial infection that causes it is H.

The infection is usually passed from person to person, but it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Certain conditions and activities may increase your risk for developing gastritis. Other risk factors include :. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and ask for your family history.

They may also recommend a breath, blood, or stool test to check for H. In addition, your doctor may:. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

If your gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to a variety of complications. Certain forms of gastritis can increase your risk of developing stomach cancer, particularly in people with thinned stomach linings. Complications may include :. Preventative strategies may depend on your health and whether or not you have any conditions that put you at risk for developing gastritis.

The outlook for gastritis depends on the underlying cause. Acute gastritis usually resolves quickly with treatment.

However, sometimes treatment fails and it can turn into chronic, or long-term, gastritis. Talk with your doctor to develop an effective treatment plan for you. Gastritis refers to inflammation in the stomach.

Eating certain foods and avoiding others can help relieve symptoms.