Understanding Atrophic Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Atrophic Gastritis

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Autoimmune Gastritis - Atrophic Gastritis

General

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.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of atrophic gastritis include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach ulcers, weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations. B12 deficiency may cause limb numbness and tingling, unsteadiness, and confusion.

Diagnosis

Atrophic gastritis diagnosed by medical history, physical examination, blood tests (to look for low pepsinogen levels, high gastrin level, low B12 levels, antibodies). Sometimes a stomach biopsy will be taken.

Treatment

Treatment of atrophic gastritis includes eradication of H. pylori infection with antibiotics. For autoimmunes gastritis, supplements of B12 will be given as well.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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