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Atrophic gastritis of the stomach: video
Atrophic gastritis is a progressive inflammatory process of the gastric mucosa, accompanied by the loss of glandular cells and their replacement with simpler tissues. At the same time, the secretory function of the stomach decreases, there is an insufficient production of hydrochloric acid and enzymes that break down proteins.
Atrophic gastritis of the stomach
Causes of atrophic gastritis
There are more than a dozen reasons that can lead to atrophy of the gastric mucosa and the development of its functional failure. The most common factors of the disease are Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune gastritis.
In the vast majority of cases, the occurrence of atrophic gastritis is associated with the bacteria H. pylori
Persisting on the epithelium of the stomach, these bacteria cause chronic superficial gastritis. Without proper treatment, it eventually becomes atrophic. Such a disease may not have any manifestations for a long time.
Diagnosis of atrophic gastritis
Atrophic gastritis is diagnosed mainly by endoscopic examination: the esophagus, stomach and duodenum are examined. The mucous membrane with severe atrophy will have significant differences from unchanged healthy tissues.
A biopsy of the stomach taken during an endoscopy allows for a more accurate diagnosis. Pay attention to the number of functioning stomach cells, a decrease in the number of which indicates atrophy.
Other diagnostic methods, such as X-ray of the stomach, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and computed tomography, are not informative in terms of atrophic gastritis
Atrophic gastritis: symptoms
The following symptoms are characteristic of the disease in question:
- heartburn
- belching
- heaviness in the stomach
- weight loss
- bowel disruptions
- deterioration of the general condition of the body
- epigastric pain
Why is atrophic gastritis dangerous?
The main danger of atrophic gastritis is that it can transform into stomach cancer. Mucosal atrophy occupies a middle position in the cascade of processes that gradually lead to adenocarcinoma. The first stage is chronic gastritis, turning into atrophic. Further changes lead to the development of small intestine and large intestinal metaplasia (replacement of glandular cells of the stomach with intestinal cells), dysplasia (abnormal proliferation of tissues) and, ultimately, stomach cancer.
Helicobacter pylori bacteria, classified as absolute biological carcinogens, are the main factor in the onset of chronic gastritis and subsequent changes.
There are many reasons for the disease.
Relevant etiological factors include:
- eating aggressive food (spicy and spicy, too hot or cold, poorly chewed)
- medication
- bad habits (smoking, drinking alcoholic or carbonated drinks, coffee abuse)
- duodenogastric reflux (partial reflux of intestinal contents, including bile, into the stomach)
To prevent the transformation of gastritis into gastric cancer, it is necessary to detect precancerous changes as early as possible, their adequate therapy and prevention.
An important role is played by adherence to a therapeutic diet with food that is sparing for the gastric mucosa.
Separately, the doctor decides on the appointment of restorative and replacement drugs, as well as drugs that stimulate juice production.
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