Stress-Induced Gastritis: A Comprehensive Literature Review on Etiology and Treatment

Gastritis is a common gastrointestinal disorder with multiple etiologies, including infections, medication use, autoimmune conditions, and psychosocial stress. Among these, stress-induced gastritis remains unrecognized despite its increasing incidence in high-stress environments. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa resulting from physiological or psychological stressors. The current review offers an in-depth examination of the complex pathogenesis of stress-induced gastritis, highlighting key contributing factors such as disruption of the brain-gut axis, oxidative stress, immune system dysregulation, and microbial dysbiosis. Diagnostic approaches are examined, including clinical evaluation, endoscopic assessment, histopathological examination, and the use of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers to differentiate this condition from other forms of gastritis. Current treatment strategies are reviewed, encompassing pharmacological therapies, such as acid-suppressing agents and mucosal protectants, as well as non-pharmacological interventions including stress management, dietary adjustments, and the use of herbal and probiotic therapies. The review also discusses emerging therapeutic directions, particularly antioxidant supplementation and gut microbiota modulation. These insights collectively advocate for an individualized, integrative approach to treatment aimed at improving clinical outcomes. All in all, the present review concludes by identifying key gaps in existing research and advocating for future studies focused on targeted, evidence-based therapies for stress-induced gastritis.