Atrophic gastritis: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Post by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Atrophic gastritis is usually caused by the bacteria H. pylori. Atrophic gastritis is often difficult to diagnose because there are no specific symptoms. However, if infected with H. pylori, common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, unusual weight loss...

Atrophic gastritis (AG) develops when the stomach lining becomes inflamed for several years. Inflammation is usually the result of an infection caused by the bacteria H. pylori. The bacteria break down the barrier that protects your stomach lining from acidic juices that help with digestion. The infection will gradually destroy the cells in the stomach lining if it is not treated.
In some cases, atrophic gastritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the lining of the stomach. This is called autoimmune atrophic gastritis.

Atrophic gastritis is usually caused by the bacteria H. pylori. Bacterial infection most commonly occurs during childhood and gets worse over time if it is left untreated. Other causes include:
Direct contact with the stool, vomit or saliva of an infected person can transmit atrophic gastritis from one person to another. Atrophic gastritis can also be caused by food or water that is contaminated with bacteria. Autoimmune atrophic gastritis develops when your body produces antibodies that mistakenly attack healthy stomach cells. Antibodies are proteins that help your body recognize and fight infections. They often attack harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. However, antibodies in people with autoimmune atrophic gastritis mistakenly target the stomach cells responsible for producing acidic juices that aid digestion. Antibodies can also attack a substance called intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein secreted by stomach cells that helps in the absorption of vitamin B12. Lack of intrinsic factor can cause a disease called pernicious anemia. In this disease, a B12 deficiency makes it difficult or impossible for your body to make enough healthy red blood cells.

The risk factors for atrophic gastritis are:
You are more likely to develop atrophic gastritis if you have an H. pylori infection. This type of infection is quite common around the world. More common in poor and crowded areas. Autoimmune atrophic gastritis is quite rare, but people with thyroid disorders or diabetes are more likely to have the condition. You're also more at risk if you're African-American or Nordic. Atrophic gastritis is more common in people of Hispanic or Asian descent. However, both atrophic gastritis and autoimmune atrophic gastritis can significantly increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Atrophic gastritis is often difficult to diagnose because there are no specific symptoms. However, if infected with H. pylori, common symptoms include:
Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Unexpected weight loss Stomach ulcers Iron deficiency anemia (a healthy amount of red blood cells) low) Autoimmune atrophic gastritis can lead to B-12 deficiency, causing symptoms of anemia, including:
Fatigue Lightheadedness Dizziness Chest pain Heart palpitations Tinnitus (tinnitus) B12 deficiency can also cause nerve damage, which can lead to:
Numbness and tingling Unsteadiness when walking Mental disorders

Diagnosis of atrophic gastritis is usually a combination of observation and clinical testing. During a physical exam, your doctor will check your stomach for distension by gently pressing on certain areas, while also looking for signs of a B-12 deficiency, such as pallor, a rapid pulse, and a rapid pulse. neurasthenia.
Your doctor may order blood tests to check for:
Low levels of pepsinogen, a protein produced by stomach cells High levels of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid Low B-12 levels (for people who may have autoimmune atrophic gastritis) Gastric cell-attack antibodies and intrinsic factor (for people who may have autoimmune atrophic gastritis) Translate). In some cases, your doctor may need to perform a biopsy. Your doctor will insert an endoscope (a long, thin instrument with a light) down your throat and into your stomach. Your doctor will then take a tissue sample from your stomach to look for evidence of atrophic gastritis. Stomach tissue samples may also show signs of an H. pylori infection.

Most people with atrophic gastritis will see an improvement in their symptoms after treatment. Treatment usually focuses on clearing the H. pylori infection using antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe medication that reduces or neutralizes acid in the stomach. A less acidic environment will help the stomach lining to heal.
People with autoimmune atrophic gastritis can also be treated with B-12 injections.

Atrophic gastritis is difficult to prevent, but you can reduce your risk of getting an H. pylori infection by practicing good hygiene. This includes:
Wash hands after using the bathroom and before and after handling food. Parents or caregivers of young children should make sure to wash their hands after handling soiled diapers or towels. Teach your child good hygiene practices to avoid spreading bacteria. In summary, atrophic gastritis is usually caused by the bacterium H. pylori. Although the rate of people infected with H. pylori bacteria progressing to cancer is not too high, this is also a major threat to the patient's health. Each person should have a proactive way to prevent and treat H. pylori bacteria. Especially in cases where people have a history of digestive diseases or have family members who have been infected with H. pylori. H. pylori bacteria early makes the treatment process more effective.

References:
Atrophic gastritis. (n.d.) medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/atrophic+gastritis Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, May 14). Gastritis mayoclinic.com/health/gastritis/DS00488 Rouse, R. V. (2009, September 9). Autoimmune atrophic gastritis surgpathcriteria.stanford.edu/gi/autoimmune-atrophic-gastritis/ Vakil, N. (2016, December). Autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/autoimmune-metaplastic-atrophic-gastritis