Atrophic Gastritis[edit | edit source]

Endoscopic view of atrophic gastritis.

Atrophic Gastritis[edit | edit source]

Atrophic gastritis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and progressive wasting away of the stomach lining, leading to the loss of glands that produce stomach acid.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Atrophic gastritis involves gradual damage and thinning of the gastric mucosa, which is responsible for the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. This condition can lead to various digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

The process of atrophy in the stomach lining involves:

Inflammation of the gastric mucosa
Thinning and loss of the protective layer of the stomach
Reduction or absence of acid-producing gastric glands

Causes[edit | edit source]

Atrophic gastritis can be caused by several factors, including:

Helicobacter pylori infection, a common cause of chronic gastritis
Autoimmune reactions, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks stomach cells
Long-term use of certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of atrophic gastritis can include:

Abdominal discomfort or pain
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating and indigestion
Loss of appetite
Weight loss

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of atrophic gastritis typically involves:

Endoscopic examination of the stomach
Biopsy of stomach tissue
Blood tests to detect Helicobacter pylori infection or autoimmune markers

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options depend on the underlying cause but may include:

Antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infection
Medications to reduce stomach acid
Dietary changes and supplements to address nutritional deficiencies

Complications[edit | edit source]

If left untreated, atrophic gastritis can lead to complications like:

Pernicious anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency
Increased risk of gastric cancer

Atrophic gastritis Resources
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