Can gastritis be prevented?

Gastritis is caused most often by infection with the H. pylori bacteria, which as much as half of the population of the U.S. may carry. It usually does not cause symptoms. But there are other causes, such as injury, illness (including immune system disorders), viral or fungal infection, use of medications (including aspirin and ibuprofen), alcohol, or cocaine. Avoiding alcohol in excess, not smoking, eating healthy foods do not upset your stomach (spicy, fried, fatty or acidic foods), and changing medications that irritate your stomach may reduce the chance of getting gastritis or having a flare-up of symptoms.