In its early stages, atrophic gastritis often does not cause any abnormal symptoms, making early detection difficult. However, if the patient is not treated promptly, the disease can lead to serious complications such as stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.
This article was written by Nguyen Huyen Nhung, MD - Specialist in Gastroenterology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
1. What is Atrophic Gastritis?
Atrophic gastritis is a condition in which the inner lining of the stomach is inflamed for a long period, leading to the loss of mucosal cells or their replacement by intestinal-like epithelial cells, fibrous tissue, or pyloric glands.
2. Causes of Atrophic Gastritis
Several studies have indicated that atrophic gastritis is often caused by Helicobacter Pylori (HP) bacteria. HP bacteria damage the protective mucous layer of the stomach lining, making it vulnerable to the acidic gastric juices secreted by the mucosal cells of the stomach to digest food. If not completely treated, prolonged infection can lead to atrophic gastritis. HP bacteria can spread through various means, including:
- Patient contact with contaminated food or drink.
- Patient contact with the saliva, feces, or vomit of an infected person.
- Patient use of agricultural products grown with contaminated water.
Another cause of atrophic gastritis is the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells of the stomach lining (called autoimmune atrophic gastritis). Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency also contributes to this condition.
Several other conditions increase the risk of developing atrophic gastritis, including:
- Thyroid disease.
- Vitiligo.
- Addison's disease.
- Type 1 diabetes.
In the early stages, the disease often has no clear symptoms, so it receives little attention. However, if not diagnosed and treated in time, this condition can lead to severe complications such as stomach ulcers or stomach cancer.
3. Symptoms of Atrophic Gastritis
Most patients with atrophic gastritis do not recognize they have the condition because, in its early stages, it does not have clear symptoms. Due to the silent progression of the disease, patients often cannot diagnose and treat it promptly; only when unusual symptoms start to appear does the disease become more severe.
The symptoms of atrophic gastritis can vary depending on the cause and the individual's resistance. If the condition is caused by H.Pylori bacteria, the patient may experience symptoms such as:
- Weight loss
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Stomach ulcers
- Black stools
- Iron-deficiency anemia
For autoimmune atrophic gastritis, the symptoms often include:
- Headache, dizziness, vertigo
- Fatigue, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, tinnitus
- Confusion, loss of balance, unsteady walking
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
4. Diagnostic Methods
Due to the often unclear symptoms of the disease, diagnosing atrophic gastritis can be challenging for physicians. Besides relying on abnormal physical signs, doctors may require patients to undergo other clinical tests for additional information.
Moreover, doctors might ask patients to provide their medical history and note signs of vitamin B12 deficiency such as rapid heartbeat, neurological weakness, or pale skin. For individuals at high risk of atrophic gastritis, doctors may recommend a gastroscopy examination.
5. Treatment Methods
Several statistics show that the cure rate for atrophic gastritis is not high, but if patients follow the doctor's instructions and treatment regimen, the symptoms can often be significantly improved after treatment.
The treatment methods for atrophic gastritis can vary depending on the cause of the condition.
For those with atrophic gastritis caused by H. Pylori bacteria, the primary goal is to eliminate and eradicate the bacteria using antibiotics. The doctor may also prescribe acid-reducing medications to help the stomach lining heal quickly.
For those with autoimmune atrophic gastritis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining, the treatment often includes vitamin B12 injections and increasing the intake of foods such as shellfish, eggs, yogurt, beef, cereals, and fatty fish. Patients can also consume iron-rich foods to prevent iron deficiency anemia.
In addition to following the treatment regimen, patients should note the following:
- Adhere to a proper lifestyle schedule and maintain healthy eating habits.
- Divide meals into smaller portions, limit the consumption of fried foods, greasy foods, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks. Focus on soft, liquid, and easily digestible foods.
- Increase the intake of vegetables and fruits to supplement fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Exercise regularly to improve health and enhance immunity.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure sufficient sleep, and avoid overworking. Always keep a positive and relaxed mindset.
6. Ways to Prevent the Disease
Atrophic gastritis is a disease that is difficult to prevent. However, patients can still reduce the risk of H.Pylori infection, one of the main causes of the disease, by taking the following measures:
- Maintain personal hygiene and food safety by washing hands thoroughly before preparing food and after using the restroom.
- Wash food thoroughly before cooking or processing it.
- Avoid consuming food of unknown origin or that is not guaranteed to be hygienic.
- Always wash hands thoroughly after coming into contact with children's waste such as diapers, napkins, or vomit.
- When traveling to areas with poor sanitation conditions, drink bottled water to avoid the risk of H.Pylori infection.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Is atrophic gastritis dangerous?
In the early stages, patients often do not exhibit abnormal symptoms, making early detection difficult. If not treated promptly, atrophic gastritis can lead to serious complications such as stomach cancer.
Is atrophic gastritis a precancerous condition?
Atrophic gastritis is a precancerous condition. However, less than 2% of people with atrophic gastritis will progress to cancer. Therefore, when abnormalities in the stomach are detected, patients should seek early medical consultation to take timely measures and prevent severe complications.
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