This is an automatically translated article.
The article was written by Dr Department of Gastroenterology - Endoscopy, Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
Atrophic gastritis is a condition in which the cells lining the stomach are destroyed after a few years of gastritis. Atrophic gastritis is usually caused by the bacteria H.pylori. They break down the mucus layer that protects the stomach lining from acid erosion. This infection will cause damage to the cells lining the stomach if left untreated.
1. Pathophysiology of atrophic gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammatory reaction in the mucosa and submucosa of the stomach. Atrophic gastritis is an autoimmune form of inflammation that occurs in the elderly, causing the stomach lining to atrophy. The body has antibodies against the parietal cells of the stomach (90%).
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis occurs when the body produces antibodies against healthy cells in the mucosa due to a mistake. Antibodies are proteins that help the body and fight infections. They usually fight harmful agents such as bacteria and viruses. However, the antibodies in autoimmune gastritis mistakenly attack the stomach cells that secrete acid that helps digest food.
2. Symptoms of atrophic gastritis
Abdominal pain Nausea Anorexia Weight loss Stomach ulcers Iron deficiency anemia Autoimmune atrophic gastritis can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, causing anemia symptoms, including:
Fatigue Dizziness, dizziness Chest pain Heart beating fast ear
3. How to treat atrophic gastritis
There is no specific treatment for this disease. The rate of cancer is very low, 0.12%, so it is only necessary to check the gastroscopy every year or 3-5 years.
Atrophic gastritis is often associated with iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, during treatment, patients should supplement with oral iron and intravenous vitamin B12.
Atrophic gastritis is difficult to prevent, but the risk of H. pylori infection can be reduced by maintaining good hygiene such as washing hands before eating or preparing food, and after using the toilet. born. Maintain good hygiene habits to avoid the spread of bacteria.
For Vietnamese people who have eating habits such as sharing a bowl of dipping sauce, or taking food with chopsticks they are eating. It is a factor that increases the likelihood of H.pylori infection in the family. Therefore, give up this bad habit to reduce the risk of infection.
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