Atrophic gastritis usually is due to a bacterial infection or an autoimmune response.
Treatment is focused on managing the underlying condition.
This article will cover atrophic gastritis causes, symptoms, and treatment.
boonchai wedmakawand / Getty Images
It will also discuss prevention and risk factors.
boonchai wedmakawand / Getty Images
Definition of Atrophic Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining.
Atrophic gastritis has also been linked to an increased risk ofstomach cancer.
Location
Atrophic gastritis affects the lining of the stomach, medically known as the gastric mucosa.
This layer of the stomach contains the cells that makestomach acidand protects the stomach against irritation.
Bacterial Infection vs. Autoimmune
There are two common causes of atrophic gastritis: abacterial infectionand anautoimmuneresponse.
pyloriis the most common cause.
pyloriinfection is common, affecting about two-thirds of the population.
H. pyloriis spread through contact with infected saliva, stool, or vomit.
It can also be spread through contaminated water and food.
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis takes place if the body attacks the healthy cells in the stomach lining.
Those with autoimmune atrophic gastritis can have significant vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, which is called pernicious anemia.
Acute vs.
Chronic vs. Atrophic Gastritis
Gastritisis the inflammation of the stomach lining.
Acute gastritisis a short-term condition that is resulting from stomach irritants like medication, alcohol, and diet.
It usually resolves when the irritation is removed.
Chronic gastritisis a persistent, low-grade version of this condition that is usually sparked by anH.
How Does Stomach Inflammation Happen?
Stomach inflammation refers to the swelling and irritation of the lining of the stomach.
It can happen from anH.
pyloriinfection, autoimmune response,bile reflux, or lifestyle factors.
Risk Factors
One of the main risk factors for atrophic gastritis is anH.
However, it has been found in people of all ages, ethnicities, and genders.
Prevention
There is no perfect way to prevent gastritis.
This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat promptly.
Atrophic gastritis sparked by anH.
pyloriinfection has different symptoms thanautoimmuneatrophic gastritis.
When atrophic gastritis is brought on by anH.
Based on their findings, additional testing may be ordered.
An EGD can confirm the gastritis diagnosis.
If a healthcare provider suspects anH.
pyloriinfection, they may order a blood, stool, or breath test to diagnose the infection.
Treatment
Atrophic gastritis treatment is focused on managing the underlying cause of the condition.
Since the majority of people with atrophic gastritis have anH.
pyloriinfection, it is important to treat and eliminate that bacterium.H.
pyloritreatment involves taking aproton pump inhibitor (PPI)and two antibiotics for the prescribed length of time.
An affected gastric mucosa can return to normal in some people who successfully have theirH.
Cancer Link
Atrophic gastritis is considered a precursor to stomach cancer.
However, most people who have atrophic gastritis will not get stomach cancer.
A 2017 study showed less than 2% of people with atrophic gastritis gotstomach cancer.
While there is a link between atrophic gastritis and cancer, it is not guaranteed.
Management After Initial Treatment
Immediate management of atrophic gastritis involvesantibiotics(as appropriate) and PPI medications.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends a routineEGDto look for stomach cancer and other stomach changes.
The AGA recommends performing an EGD every three years in people with advanced atrophic gastritis.
Summary
Atrophic gastritis is a form of chronic gastritis.
It is commonly due to either anH.
pyloribacterial infection or an autoimmune response.
Treatment is focused on eliminating the bacterial infection and correcting any nutritional deficiencies.
Atrophic gastritis is a precursor to stomach cancer.
As a result, someone with atrophic gastritis will need follow-up healthcare provider appointments to screen for cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the causes of atrophic gastritis is anH.
pyloriis treated, it may be possible to be reinfected with the bacteria.
Atrophic gastritis is always a precancerous condition.
However, less than 2% of people with atrophic gastritis will develop cancer.
There is no natural way to treat atrophic gastritis, but there are lifestyle changes that can help.
Removing irritants from the diet can reduce stomach irritation.
Avoiding smoking, stress, and NSAIDs can also help relieve symptoms.
Lahner E, Esposito G, Galli G, Annibale B.Atrophic gastritis and pre-malignant gastric lesions.
2015;4(4):27281-27281.
UpToDate.Metaplastic (chronic) atrophic gastritis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Gastritis & gastropathy.
Medical University of South Carolina.Gastritis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Helicobacter pylori: fact sheet for health care providers.
2018;89(Suppl 8):88-92. doi:10.23750/abm.v89i8-S.7921
MedlinePlus.Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) tests.
2021;161(4):1325-1332.e7.
doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.06.078
Cheung DY.Atrophic gastritis increases the risk of gastric cancer in asymptomatic population in Korea.Gut Liver.
2017;11(5):575-576. doi:10.5009/gnl17356
