Atrophic gastritis, caused by bacterial infection and chronic irritation, leads to inflammation and wasting of the stomach lining. Symptoms vary, but can include stomach pain, weight loss, and nausea. Treatment options include antibiotics and stomach lining medications, while prevention methods include avoiding irritants and regular hand washing.
The stomach stores and digests food, but atrophic gastritis interferes with its normal functions. The digestive condition causes inflammation of the stomach lining. Along with other lifestyle factors, bacterial infection usually causes atrophic gastritis. Symptoms appear to be non-existent in some patients, while others may experience illness or discomfort. A variety of treatment options help relieve the symptoms of atrophic gastritis. Prevention methods can also keep atrophic gastritis at bay.
Atrophic gastritis develops over several years, especially if a person already suffers from chronic gastritis. The chronic form of gastritis causes stomach irritation due to infection with the H. pylori bacteria or other medical conditions such as bile reflux. Long-term alcohol use or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also reportedly cause chronic gastritis. Chronic irritation also causes inflammation, which eventually leads to atrophy of the stomach lining. Atrophy, or wasting of the stomach lining, indicates that the gastritis has reached the atrophic stage.
H. pylori bacteria most commonly contribute to the formation of atrophic gastritis. The germ damages the mucous layer that protects the stomach and causes stomach acid to affect the stomach lining. Often peptic ulcers result, which over time turn into atrophic gastritis.
Some who are affected by the digestive disorder experience no symptoms, especially in the early stages. Others may experience symptoms such as stomach pain, weight loss, nausea and vomiting. Patients can also develop more serious complications including pernicious anemia, a condition that prevents the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from properly absorbing vitamin B12. According to medical sources, pernicious anemia contributes to dementia and increases the risk of stroke if the patient avoids treatment. Whether the symptoms are non-existent, mild or severe, atrophic gastritis can eventually lead to stomach ulcers or stomach cancer, particularly if the patient does not follow any treatment or prevention methods.
Most treatment options work to clear the H. pylori infection and reverse the symptoms of stomach inflammation. Antibiotics can block further infections. A doctor may also prescribe a proton pump inhibitor, along with two types of antibiotics, to help kill the bacteria causing the stomach condition. Stomach lining medications, such as bismuth subsalicylate, protect the stomach lining and small intestine and clear the infection. Some patients may also require vitamin B12 injections to protect against pernicious anemia.
Some preventative measures can help some people avoid or reduce stomach inflammation or other related ailments. Medical sources recommend avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, or cigarettes. Eating smaller meals also eases digestive problems. Instead of taking NSAIDs, doctors have recommended taking acetaminophen to protect the stomach lining. Regular hand washing also helps ward off the H. pylori bacteria that cause gastritis.
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