Atrophic Gastritis Explained

Atrophic gastritis develops when the stomach lining becomes chronically inflamed. The inflammation damages the glands in the stomach lining, which interferes with the production of stomach acid and the body’s digestive process.  This condition can result from an autoimmune reaction or an infection. Some people may not experience symptoms. Others can develop vitamin deficiencies and symptoms like abdominal pain. Treatment typically involves vitamin supplements or antibiotics.

Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnostic process, and treatments for atrophic gastritis.

Researchers generally split atrophic gastritis into two types based on what causes the condition.

Type A atrophic gastritis, also called autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG), develops when your immune system overreacts and interferes with healthy parietal cells in the stomach.

Parietal cells produce stomach acid. By interfering with these cells, AMAG can block the digestive process and lead to vitamin deficiency, particularly vitamin B12, according to 2021 research Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source . When your body cannot absorb B12, it may cause pernicious anemia.

AMAG is more common Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source in people with other autoimmune conditions, including:

• thyroid disease
• vitiligo
• diabetes
• rheumatoid arthritis

Type B atrophic gastritis, also called multifocal atrophic gastritis (MAG), most often results from a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, according to a 2021 research review. The bacteria damage the stomach’s mucosal lining, leading to reduced acid secretion.

Experts believe that H. pylori may spread through contaminated food or water or contact with the body fluids of someone who has an H. pylori infection.

People with atrophic gastritis may not have any symptoms in the early stages, 2021 research Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source suggests. When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the type of atrophic gastritis.

People with AMAG may experience symptoms related to anemia, including:

• dizziness
• fatigue
• irritability
• insomnia
• depression
• headaches
• heart palpitations

MAG symptoms can include nausea and vomiting that may come and go. Some people may also experience abdominal pain and symptoms of anemia. 

The main diagnostic method for atrophic gastritis is endoscopy, 2021 research Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source notes. This procedure typically involves applying stains or pigments to the mucosal lining to detect lesions.

The endoscopy may show characteristic signs of atrophic gastritis. Per the 2021 review, these include:

• pale mucosal lining
• prominent vessels due to thinning of the mucosal lining
• reduced gastric folds

Doctors may also take biopsies during an endoscopy to examine the stomach cells.

A biopsy involves removing a piece of tissue from the body and looking at it under a microscope. Because atrophic gastritis can increase the risk of gastric cancer, a biopsy can help doctors determine whether or not the cells are precancerous.

If your doctors suspect an infection, they may order blood, stool, or breath tests to see whether H. pylori is present.

Doctors may also order additional blood tests to check:

• levels of pepsinogen, a protein the stomach cells produce
• antibodies that may be interfering with the parietal cells
• low B12 levels
• low iron levels

Treatment for atrophic gastritis will depend on the underlying cause.

For people with atrophic gastritis that causes iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, dietary modifications or supplements can help fix imbalances and relieve symptoms, per the 2021 review.

If other autoimmune conditions are present, you may need additional treatments focused on those conditions.

If you have an H. pylori infection, you will need antibiotics. This treatment will relieve symptoms and can also reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer, per 2021 research Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source .

Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outlook of atrophic gastritis.

Because people with this condition may be asymptomatic for years, knowing the risk factors and undergoing screenings can aid in early diagnosis and reduce the risk of serious complications, 2021 research Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source suggests.

Per 2021 research Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source , the risk factors for atrophic gastritis can include:

• new gastrointestinal symptoms in people over age 50
• family history of atrophic gastritis or gastric cancer
• history of pernicious anemia

People at higher risk for H. pylori infections and people who smoke may be at a higher risk of developing the condition, according to the 2021 review.

Certain autoimmune conditions, like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, may also make autoimmune atrophic gastritis more likely, 2018 research Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source suggests.

Atrophic gastritis can cause many complications, per the 2021 review Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source , including:

• gastric cancer
• achlorhydria, or a loss of stomach acid production
• ulcers
• chronic iron deficiency anemia
• hemorrhagic gastritis, or mucosal lining damage that may cause bleeding

Here are a few other common questions people may ask about atrophic gastritis. Kelsey Trull, PA-C, has reviewed the answers.

Researchers estimate that atrophic gastritis affects around 15% of the population in the United States. Rates may be higher among groups that are more susceptible to H. pylori infections or gastric cancer.

Atrophic gastritis can cause serious complications. One of the most severe complications is gastric cancer. It is essential to begin treatment as soon as possible to lower your risk of developing cancer.

Doctors will be able to see signs of atrophic gastritis on endoscopy. These signs may include paleness of the mucosal lining, loss of gastric folds, or prominent blood vessels, according to the 2021 review.

You may be able to relieve some of the symptoms of atrophic gastritis through natural methods. It may help to boost your iron or vitamin B12 intake through dietary modifications or supplements. You should always contact your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.

Atrophic gastritis is chronic inflammation of the stomach lining that may result from an autoimmune reaction or an infection. While many people with this condition are asymptomatic in the early stages, others can experience abdominal pain, nausea, or signs of pernicious anemia.

Doctors typically use endoscopy to diagnose atrophic gastritis. They may also conduct a biopsy and order blood tests.

Treatment for atrophic gastritis may involve dietary modifications or vitamin supplements to correct deficiencies. Antibiotics are necessary to resolve H. pylori infection.

Contact your doctor to discuss ways to manage atrophic gastritis.