Atrophic gastritis (AG) develops when the lining of the stomach has been inflamed for several years. The inflammation is most often the result of a bacterial infection caused by the H. pylori bacterium. disrupt the barrier of mucus that protects your stomach lining from the acidic juices that help with digestion. The infection will gradually destroy the cells in your stomach lining if it’s not treated. In some cases, AG occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells in your stomach lining. This is known as autoimmune atrophic gastritis. AG is often caused by the H. pylori bacterium. The bacterial infection frequently occurs during childhood and gets worse over time if it isn’t treated. Direct contact with the feces, vomit, or saliva of an infected person can spread AG from person to person. It may also occur after eating food or drinking water that’s contaminated with the bacteria. Autoimmune AG develops when your body produces antibodies that
attack healthy stomach cells by mistake. Antibodies are proteins that help your body recognize and fight infections. They normally attack harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. However, antibodies in people with autoimmune AG mistakenly target the stomach cells responsible for producing acidic juices that help with digestion. Antibodies may also attack a substance known as intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein stomach cells release that helps absorb vitaminA lack of intrinsic factor can cause an illness called pernicious anemia. In this disease, a B-12 deficiency makes it difficult or impossible for your body to make enough healthy red blood cells. You’re more likely to develop AG if you have an H. pylori infection. This type of infection is fairly common around the world. prevalent in areas of poverty and overcrowding. Autoimmune AG is quite rare, but people who have thyroid disorders or diabetes are more likely to have this condition.
at risk if you’re African-American or of Northern-European descent. AG is more common in people who are of Hispanic or Asian descent. Both AG and autoimmune AG can significantly increase your risk of Many cases of AG go undiagnosed because there are usually noHowever, common signs of an H. pylori infection include: stomach painnausea and vomitingloss of appetiteunexpected weight lossstomach ulcersiron deficiency anemia (a low level of healthy red blood cells) Autoimmune AG may lead to a B-12 deficiency, which can cause weaknesslightheadednessdizzinesschest painheart palpitationstinnitus (ringing in the ears) A B-12 deficiency can also cause nerve damage, leading to: limb numbness and tinglingunsteadiness when walkingmental confusion An AG diagnosis usually involves a combination of clinicalDuring a physical exam, your doctor will check for stomach tenderness by lightly pressing on certain areas of your stomach. also look for signs of B-12 deficiency, such as paleness and a rapid pulse.
Your doctor might order blood tests to check for: low levels of pepsinogen, a protein produced by the stomach cellshigh levels of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid low levels of B-12 (for people who may have autoimmune AG)antibodies that attack stomach cells and intrinsic factor (for people who may have autoimmune AG) In some cases, your doctor may need to perform a biopsy. doctor will insert an endoscope, (a long, slender instrument with a light attachment) down your throat and into your stomach. They’ll then take a sample of tissue from your stomach to look for evidence of AG. The sample of stomach tissue can also indicate signs of an H. pylori infection. Most people with AG will see an improvement in symptoms once the Treatment usually focuses on eliminating the H. pylori infection with the use of antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe medications that reduce or neutralize stomach acid.
A less acidic environment helps your stomach lining People with autoimmune AG may also be treated with B-12 AG is difficult to prevent, but you can lower your risk of getting an H. pylori infection by practicing good hygiene. includes washing your hands after using the bathroom and before and afterParents or caregivers of young children should make sure to wash their hands after handling soiled diapers or linens. Teach your children good hygiene practices to avoid the spread of bacteria.Gastritis is a term commonly used by the public (and sometimes by doctors) to describe episodes of stomach discomfort (usually after eating) sometimes associated with nausea and/or vomiting. We refer also to “upset stomach” or “indigestion”. However, strictly speaking, gastritis is a formal medical term for a diagnosis made by a pathologist when evidence of inflammation and damage to the stomach lining is seen in a biopsy specimen taken during an upper endoscopy.
And it may sound odd to say, but in the true use of the term, "gastritis" —at least the chronic type (see below)— usually does not cause episodes of indigestion. There are two types of gastritis, acute and chronic. Acute gastritis refers to a sudden onset of inflammation of the stomach lining, called the gastric mucosa. When a gastroenterologist performs an endoscopy, the lining appears reddened, and specimens show lots of acute inflammatory cells (mainly white blood cells, called leucocytes). There may be small, shallow breaks in the surface lining, called acute erosions ("erosive gastritis"), and even tiny areas of bleeding. Chronic gastritis refers to a persistent, but low grade, inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. The gastric mucosa becomes thinner as the normal cells are destroyed. The inflammatory cells include lymphocytes, which indicate an immune response. This is very common, especially in less developed countries. When present for many years, the mucosal changes may progress to a stage called metaplasia, with a small increased risk of gastric cancer.
Acute gastritis is caused by acute irritants that overwhelm the mucus lining that usually protects the stomach mucosa. Irritants include aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), poisons (including strong alcohol) and certain infections, including the early stages of infection with the bacterium helicobacter pylori. Usually, the inflammation settles quickly when the irritant is removed. Chronic gastritis usually results from infection with helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori). In the United States, H. pylori infection is present in about 20% of Caucasians, but in over 50% of Hispanics, African Americans, and the elderly. The infection rate of adults in underdeveloped countries may be as high as 90%. Other causes of chronic gastritis may include: Acute gastritis usually does cause an acute upset stomach, with upper abdominal pain or discomfort as the body tries to get rid of the irritant. In the vast majority of cases, chronic gastritis causes no symptoms.
When the damage to the mucosa is severe and long standing, the stomach loses its ability to produce acid. This may cause digestive upsets. Also lost is the ability to secrete a substance called intrinsic factor, which is necessary for absorption of the important vitamin, B12. Deficiency of vitamin B12 eventually leads to a condition called pernicious anemia. The patient presents with: The diagnosis is easily confirmed by blood tests. When acute gastritis symptoms are bad enough to warrant contacting a doctor, a diagnosis is usually able to be made based simply on the story. However, a direct look at the stomach lining via an upper endoscopy examination —also known as an EGD (or EsophagoGastroDuodenoscopy)— may be necessary when the problem persists, or bleeding occurs. The inflammatory changes are usually confined to the stomach rather than the first part of the small intestine, referred to as the duodenum. Other tests, such as blood tests, X-rays and scans are usually not necessary for diagnosis unless an alternative condition is suspected during investigation.