Persons most commonly affected: All age groups and both sexes.

Organ or part of body involved: Stomach

Symptoms and indications: Abdominal cramping and pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, loss of appetite, belching or gas, and weakness. Bleeding that appears in vomit or turns the stool black.

Causes and risk factors: May be caused by bacterial or viral infection (infection by a virus is contagious), excess stomach acid caused by heavy smoking, alcohol use, caffeine, improper diet such as spicy, greasy foods, use of drugs such as Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, cortisone and stress.

Prevention: Eat regularly and moderately, stop smoking, and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine. If possible avoid drugs that are irritating to your stomach. Avoid foods that you don't digest easily.