Atrophic gastritis is a long-term inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa. With the disease, the glands that produce hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes gradually thin out and lose their functions. As a result, digestion is disrupted and anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency can develop.
One of the most dangerous complications of atrophic gastritis is an increased risk of developing stomach cancer. Therefore, it is important to identify the disease in a timely manner, start treatment and regularly undergo medical supervision.
Gaukhar Isakova, a gastroenterologist-oncologist at the Department of Surgery No. 1 of the National Hospital, spoke about the causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention of the disease.
Why does the disease occur?
Одной из основных причин атрофического гастрита является инфекция Helicobacter pylori. Эта бактерия может длительное время находиться в слизистой оболочке желудка, вызывая хроническое воспаление и повреждение клеток.
Another reason is the autoimmune process. In this case, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy stomach cells. As a result, the cells responsible for producing gastric juice and protein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 are damaged.
The risk of developing the disease is increased by regular consumption of spicy, smoked and too hot food, smoking, alcohol abuse, as well as long-term use of certain medications without medical supervision.
Especially negatively on the gastric mucosa can affect nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
What symptoms may appear?
Atrophic gastritis can develop for a long time without pronounced signs. Despite the gradual thinning of the gastric mucosa, at the initial stage, a person may not feel pain or noticeable discomfort.
As the disease progresses, you may experience heaviness after eating, bloating, decreased appetite, nausea, and digestive disorders.
If you are deficient in vitamin B12, you may experience persistent weakness, rapid fatigue, drowsiness, pale skin, burning or swelling of the tongue, and changes in sensitivity in the hands and feet.
It is impossible to determine atrophic gastritis only by symptoms. To make an accurate diagnosis, laboratory tests, gastroscopy and, if necessary, a biopsy are performed, the doctor notes.
How to treat atrophic gastritis?
In most cases, it is impossible to completely restore the glandular tissue lost as a result of atrophy. Therefore, the main goal of treatment is to eliminate the cause of the disease, stop or slow down the development of the atrophic process, correct digestive disorders and reduce the risk of developing malignant changes.
Treatment is prescribed individually. It depends on the cause of the disease, the level of gastric acidity, the severity of functional disorders and the presence of concomitant diseases.
При выявлении инфекции Helicobacter pylori проводится специальная терапия, направленная на уничтожение бактерии. По показаниям могут назначаться препараты для защиты слизистой оболочки желудка, витамин В12, препараты железа, пищеварительные ферменты и средства, улучшающие моторику желудочно-кишечного тракта.
Drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach are not prescribed to all patients. In atrophic gastritis with low acidity, such medications can further reduce the production of gastric juice.
Atrophic gastritis cannot be treated on its own. The gastroenterologist determines the type of drugs, their dosage and duration of administration based on the results of the examination, — emphasizes Gaukhar Isakova.
With autoimmune gastritis, the absorption of vitamin B12 may be impaired. In this case, by the doctor's decision, vitamin replacement therapy can be prescribed for a long time.
Power mode
With atrophic gastritis, food should not irritate the gastric mucosa. Dishes are recommended to be consumed warm. They should be soft and easy to digest.
The diet can include lean meat and fish, steamed, boiled or stewed, cereals, baked or stewed vegetables and fruits.
With low stomach acidity, on the recommendation of a doctor, it is allowed to use kefir, low-fat cottage cheese and other fermented dairy products.
You should limit fatty meat, fried and smoked foods, spicy spices, marinades, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, fresh pastries and fatty confectionery.
It is recommended to eat small portions five to six times a day. Avoid eating too hot or too cold food.
In addition, it is important to give up smoking and alcohol, follow a sleep schedule, avoid overwork and excessive physical exertion.
Why do I need regular monitoring?
Some changes in the gastric mucosa in atrophic gastritis can be irreversible. However, if the disease is detected at an early stage and treatment is started in a timely manner, its development can be stopped or significantly slowed down.
Elimination of infection Helicobacter pylori before the formation of intestinal metaplasia, it can give a good result. With marked changes in the mucous membrane, regular medical supervision is of particular importance.
Patients with atrophic gastritis should undergo a gastroscopy within the time limits set by the gastroenterologist, and if necessary, a biopsy. This allows you to detect dangerous changes in the stomach in a timely manner.
Prevention measures
To prevent the disease, it is necessary to follow the rules of personal hygiene, thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits, and use safe drinking water.
Важно своевременно выявлять инфекцию Helicobacter pylori и полностью проходить назначенный врачом курс лечения.
It is also recommended to eat right, give up smoking and alcohol, maintain physical activity and do not take medications without a specialist's appointment.
Antibiotics, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications should only be taken when recommended by your doctor.
Patients with atrophic gastritis should regularly monitor their vitamin B12 and hemoglobin levels. People with a hereditary predisposition, as well as with frequent occurrence of heaviness, heartburn and bloating, are recommended to undergo a preventive examination.
It is difficult to completely restore atrophied gastric tissue. However, properly selected treatment, adherence to the diet and regular medical supervision can stop the development of the disease, achieve long-term remission and improve the patient's quality of life, " noted gastroenterologist-oncologist Gaukhar Isakova.
