Which of the following is a common cause of gastritis due to direct mucosal injury?

Gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, and it can result from various factors that cause direct injury to the gastric mucosa. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a well-known cause of gastritis due to their mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a critical role in maintaining the protective mucosal layer of the stomach by promoting mucus and bicarbonate secretion and maintaining blood flow. When prostaglandin levels are reduced due to NSAID use, the gastric mucosa becomes more susceptible to irritation from gastric acid, leading to inflammation and damage.

This direct injury to the gastric lining from NSAIDs is often seen in clinical practice, where patients consuming these medications may experience symptoms of gastritis, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Therefore, NSAIDs represent a common culpit in gastritis due to their adverse effect on the gastric mucosal barrier.

In contrast, antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and antacids do not directly injure the gastric mucosa. While antibiotics can lead to gastritis in some contexts by causing changes in gut flora or as a side effect, it is not primarily through direct mucosal damage.