What is it?

Atrophic gastritis, or autoimmune gastritis (AG) is a condition that occurs after a few years of inflammation in the stomach’s lining. The inflammation occurs, typically, as a result of infection by H. pylori that interferes with the protection of the lining from the acidic environment of the stomach. It is also called autoimmune gastritis because sometimes this condition is caused due to an immunoglobulin attack of the healthy lining cells, and not by a bacteria. These immunoglobulins can also attack the intrinsic factor, which is a protein released by the stomach cells. Intrinsic factor helps the digestion tract absorb B12 vitamin. A lack of intrinsic factor is also called pernicious anemia. People who have other autoimmune conditions such as diabetes are at greater risk to develop AG.