Treatment of atrophic gastritis

Stomach problems are not always accompanied by pronounced pain or a sharp deterioration in well-being. Often, this is only periodic discomfort after eating, bloating, or decreased appetite, which can easily be attributed to diet or stress. That is why such symptoms often remain unnoticed, although in some cases they may indicate the development of a disease.

Atrophic gastritis — is a chronic condition in which atrophy of the gastric mucosa occurs. Over time, the number of glandular cells decreases, the production of gastric juice is disrupted, and acidity changes. As a result, the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients worsens, which may affect the general condition of the body.

Without timely treatment, the disease may gradually progress. Therefore, it is important not to ignore even minor changes in well-being and to timely undergo a consultation with a gastroenterologist for examination and selection of treatment tactics.

Atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa may differ in character and degree of severity. It is precisely the form and extent of the process that determine the course of the disease, the method of treatment, and the prognosis.

In most cases, chronic atrophic gastritis is diagnosed, which develops gradually against the background of prolonged inflammation. Over time, this leads to structural changes in the mucosa and disruption of its functions.

Depending on the localization of the pathological process, the following forms are distinguished:

• antral — damage to the lower part of the stomach, where inflammation occurs more often and the level of acidity changes;
• fundal — damage to the body of the stomach, which affects the production of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes;
• diffuse — a widespread process in which the changes involve a significant part of the mucosa;
• focal — separate areas of damage that may alternate with preserved tissues.

In clinical practice, the wording gastritis with mucosal atrophy is also used — when the number of functional cells decreases, and gastritis with signs of atrophy, if the changes are not yet pronounced, but are already detected during examination.

According to the degree of development of the pathological process, the following stages are conventionally distinguished:

• initial — minor changes in the mucosa without significant impairment of function;
• moderate — partial atrophy of the gastric mucosa with a gradual decrease in secretion;
• pronounced — significant damage to the mucosa, a decrease in the number of glands, and disruption of digestive processes.

The functional state of the stomach is considered separately. At different stages of the disease, both reduced acidity and increased acidity may be observed, which affects the manifestations of the disease and the approach to treatment.

The development of atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa usually has a complex nature. In most cases, this is the result of prolonged exposure to several factors that gradually disrupt the structure and functions of the mucosa. Often, one of the initial stages of such changes is non-atrophic gastritis, which without proper treatment may progress and lead to a deeper lesion of the mucosa.

One of the key causes is Helicobacter pylori infection. It causes chronic inflammation, which without timely treatment may lead to gradual damage to the mucosa and its structural rearrangement.

Another important factor is autoimmune processes. In this case, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of the stomach responsible for the production of acid and enzymes. As a result, the secretory function of the stomach decreases and the digestion process is disrupted.

Among other common causes:

• prolonged course of inflammatory diseases of the stomach without proper treatment;
• irregular or unbalanced nutrition;
• vitamin deficiency, especially B12;
• long-term use of certain medicinal drugs;
• harmful habits — smoking and alcohol consumption;
• chronic stress, which affects the regulation of the digestive system.

It is worth noting separately that atrophic changes may develop after surgical interventions on the stomach, in particular after stomach resection, when the anatomy of the organ changes and its functioning is disrupted.

In some patients, the combination of several factors plays a decisive role, which accelerates the development of the disease and its progression.

Over time, other manifestations related to impaired production of gastric juice and absorption of nutrients may also appear. Among them are weakness, rapid fatigue, pale skin, vitamin deficiency, as well as changes in body weight.

The nature of the symptoms largely depends on the acidity of the stomach. With reduced acidity, manifestations associated with slowed digestion more often predominate — a feeling of heaviness, bloating, discomfort after eating. If increased acidity is observed, heartburn, a burning sensation, or discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen are possible. Similar manifestations may also be observed in other disorders of the digestive system, in particular in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, so it is important not to engage in self-diagnosis.

To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is not enough to rely only on symptoms. It is important to confirm the presence of structural changes in the gastric mucosa with the help of examinations. Comprehensive diagnosis makes it possible to assess the degree of lesion, the functional state of the stomach, and determine the possible cause of the disease.

Main examination methods:

• gastroscopy — the main method that makes it possible to directly examine the mucosa, detect areas of atrophy and, if necessary, perform a biopsy;
• laboratory blood tests — help detect signs of an inflammatory process, anemia, and deficiency conditions;
• tests for Helicobacter pylori — make it possible to confirm or exclude the presence of infection;
• determination of the level of gastric acidity — makes it possible to assess the secretory function and features of the course of the disease.

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor evaluates the nature and degree of changes in the mucosa and selects further patient management tactics. If necessary, additional studies may be prescribed to clarify the diagnosis and exclude other diseases of the digestive system.

Atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa require a comprehensive approach to therapy, since they affect not only the process of digestion, but also the general condition of the body. The main goal of treatment — is to stop the progression of the disease, support the function of the stomach and, if possible, improve the condition of the mucosa.

Treatment of atrophic gastritis is selected individually, taking into account the cause of the disease, the degree of atrophic changes, and the level of gastric acidity.

Main directions of therapy:

• elimination of the cause of the disease, in particular eradication of Helicobacter pylori;
• restoration of the protective properties of the mucosa;
• normalization of digestive processes;
• correction of vitamin and microelement deficiency.

An important role is played by drug treatment of atrophic gastritis, which may include medications for regulating acidity, enzyme agents, gastroprotectors, and vitamin complexes.

The therapy regimen depends on the functional state of the stomach. In different patients, both reduced acidity and increased acidity may be observed, therefore the approach to treatment differs significantly.

That is why self-treatment in this case is ineffective and may lead to a worsening of the course of the disease. The optimal tactics are determined by the doctor after a full examination.

Properly organized nutrition in atrophic gastritis is an important component of treatment, since it helps reduce the load on the stomach and support digestive processes. The diet should be not only gentle, but also complete — with a sufficient amount of proteins, vitamins, and microelements.

Main principles of the diet:

• fractional meals 4–6 times a day in small portions;
• consumption of warm, soft, or crushed food;
• restriction of fatty, fried, spicy, and coarse foods;
• avoidance of alcohol and products that irritate the mucosa.

In the diet, it is advisable to give preference to the following products:

• lean types of meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit) in boiled or baked form;
• fish (hake, pollock, pike perch), steamed or baked;
• porridges (oatmeal, buckwheat, rice), well boiled;
• soups with a light vegetable or lean broth;
• stewed or baked vegetables (zucchini, carrot, pumpkin);
• fermented milk products (kefir, natural yogurt, cottage cheese);
• eggs (boiled or in the form of an omelet);
• dried bread or crackers.

It is worth limiting or excluding:

• fatty and fried dishes;
• smoked products, canned foods, fast food;
• spicy seasonings and sauces;
• fresh pastries;
• carbonated drinks, strong coffee, and alcohol;
• products with a large amount of coarse fiber (cabbage, radish, legumes).

The diet must обязательно be adjusted depending on the functional state of the stomach. With reduced acidity, products that gently stimulate the production of gastric juice may be added to the diet — for example, light broths, fermented milk products, baked vegetables. With increased acidity, on the contrary, it is important to exclude products that may irritate the mucosa — spicy dishes, sour products, strong coffee, alcohol — and adhere to the most gentle diet possible.

It is also important to follow the eating regimen: do not overeat, do not skip meals, and avoid late dinners. Regular and balanced nutrition helps reduce the manifestations of the disease and maintain a stable condition.

Gastritis with signs of atrophy requires careful monitoring, since prolonged changes in the gastric mucosa may lead to a gradual impairment of its functions. Without treatment and lifestyle correction, the risk of complications increases.

The most common complications:

• disturbance of digestion and absorption of nutrients;
• vitamin deficiency, especially B12, with the development of anemia;
• chronic abdominal discomfort, bloating, unstable stool;
• increased risk of precancerous changes in the gastric mucosa.

A prolonged course of the disease may lead to more serious consequences. Due to a decrease in the function of the stomach, the process of food digestion is disrupted, which affects the general condition of the body, energy level, and immunity. In some cases, conditions associated with a pronounced deficiency of nutrients develop.

Particular attention is paid to monitoring the condition of the mucosa, since atrophic changes may be regarded as a risk factor for the development of oncological processes. That is why it is important for patients with such a diagnosis to undergo regular examination and follow the doctor's recommendations.

Prevention of atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa is aimed at reducing the influence of factors that maintain inflammation and gradually damage the mucosa. This is especially relevant for patients with chronic diseases of the digestive system.

Main preventive measures:

• regular and balanced nutrition without long breaks and overeating;
• limitation of fatty, fried, and spicy food, as well as alcohol;
• smoking cessation;
• timely detection and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

It is important not to ignore even minor symptoms from the stomach, such as discomfort after eating, bloating, or changes in appetite, and to consult a doctor in a timely manner. Early detection of mucosal changes makes it possible to prevent their progression and the development of complications.

Preventive examinations play a separate role, especially for people at increased risk. Regular monitoring of the condition of the stomach helps to timely detect pathological changes and adjust lifestyle or treatment.

Additionally, it is important to adhere to the general principles of a healthy lifestyle: adequate sleep, reducing stress levels, and moderate physical activity have a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive system.

The cost of treatment for atrophic gastritis depends primarily on the scope of the necessary diagnostics and the individually selected therapy regimen. In most cases, the patient first needs an examination — a doctor's consultation, instrumental and laboratory tests, after which the further treatment tactics are determined. You can ознакомиться with the prices for doctors' consultations in advance here.

At the medical center “Oxford Medical,” patients can undergo a full range of examinations and receive the necessary medical services. To book an appointment, contact the contact center or use the online booking form on the website.