What is a potential cause of gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, and one of its potential causes is the use of aspirin. Aspirin belongs to a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can disrupt the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach. This disruption can lead to irritation and inflammation, thereby causing gastritis. Chronic use of aspirin can exacerbate these effects, making it a significant risk factor for developing this condition.

Other factors, such as excessive exercise, high fiber diets, and prolonged fasting, do not have the same direct impact on the stomach lining and are less likely to result in gastritis. While poor dietary habits and stress can contribute to gastrointestinal issues in general, they typically do not have the same acute effect on the stomach lining as NSAIDs like aspirin. Therefore, the link between aspirin use and gastritis makes it the correct choice for this question.