Which of the following can cause acute gastritis?

Acute gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa, and one of the primary causes is a direct infection by Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is known to colonize the stomach lining and is responsible for a significant number of gastric inflammation cases, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. When H. pylori infects the stomach, it can disrupt the mucosal barrier, causing irritation and inflammation, which are hallmarks of acute gastritis.

Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to further complications if untreated, including peptic ulcers and, in some cases, an increased risk of stomach cancer over time. The mechanism of injury involves the bacteria's ability to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and produce substances that exacerbate inflammation and damage to stomach tissues.

While high fiber diets, chronic stress, and obstructive sleep apnea may have various health impacts, they are not direct causes of acute gastritis. High fiber can contribute positively to digestive health, chronic stress may influence overall gastrointestinal function, and obstructive sleep apnea primarily affects breathing and sleep patterns rather than directly causing gastric inflammation. Thus, the direct bacterial infection by Helicobacter pylori firmly establishes it as a leading and well-recognized cause of