Autoimmune Gastritis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Raosaheb Rathod , Gastroenterologists Medical

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Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining, resulting in various gastrointestinal complications.

This condition can result in significant discomfort and may influence nutritional absorption due to its impact on the stomach's ability to produce intrinsic factors essential for vitamin B12 absorption.

What are the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Autoimmune Gastritis?

Early Indicators

The symptoms of autoimmune gastritis are often subtle and can progress gradually. Early signs may include:

Autoimmune gastritis symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, bloating, and loss of appetite.

• Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: Mild to moderate pain in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by bloating and fullness.
• Nausea: A frequent sensation of nausea may occur, especially after meals.
• Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat due to persistent discomfort.

Advanced Symptoms

As the condition progresses, more severe symptoms may arise, including:

• Anemia: Due to impaired vitamin B12 absorption, patients may develop pernicious anemia characterized by fatigue, weakness, and pallor.
• Neurological Symptoms: In advanced cases, neurological issues such as memory disturbances, mood changes, and balance problems may occur due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss can result from prolonged loss of appetite and malabsorption.

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What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Autoimmune Gastritis?

Autoimmune gastritis happens when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining. This damages the gastric mucosal cells, especially parietal cells that make stomach acid and intrinsic factor. The exact cause is unclear, but several factors are thought to play a role in triggering this immune response.

• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of autoimmune diseases may increase susceptibility.
• Environmental Triggers: Factors such as infections and certain medications may play a role in triggering the immune response.
• Association with Other Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune gastritis often coexists with other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Risks of Autoimmune Gastritis

Autoimmune gastritis can lead to risks such as:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Increased risk of stomach cancer
• Peptic ulcers
• Gastric lymphoma
• Anemia

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How is Autoimmune Gastritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing autoimmune gastritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and endoscopic procedures.

Key diagnostic steps include:

• Blood Tests: To check for anemia and the presence of antibodies against gastric parietal cells and intrinsic factors.
• Gastroscopy: A procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to visualize the stomach lining and obtain tissue samples for biopsy.
• Histological Examination: Biopsy samples are analyzed for characteristic changes in the stomach lining, including atrophy and the presence of inflammatory cells.
• Serological Tests: Detection of elevated gastrin levels and low pepsinogen levels can support the diagnosis.

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What are the Treatment Options for Autoimmune Gastritis?

The management of autoimmune gastritis mainly focuses on relieving symptoms, correcting nutritional deficiencies, and keeping an eye on any complications.

Treatment usually includes medicines to reduce stomach acid, vitamin B12 supplements, and some lifestyle changes to handle the symptoms properly.

Vitamin B12 Supplementation

Since vitamin B12 malabsorption is a significant concern, lifelong supplementation is often required. This can be administered via:

• Intramuscular Injections: Regular injections of vitamin B12 to bypass the need for intrinsic factors.
• High-Dose Oral Supplements: In some cases, high doses of oral vitamin B12 supplements may be effective.

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When to See a Doctor for Autoimmune Gastritis?

• Persistent stomach pain or indigestion lasting more than two weeks.
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or numbness in hands and feet
• Family history of autoimmune diseases or gastritis
• Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g., pale skin, difficulty concentrating)
• High-risk groups should seek early consultation for timely diagnosis.
• Early treatment helps prevent complications and improves quality of life.

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What is the Recovery Process After Autoimmune Gastritis Treatment?

Dietary Adjustments

Patients are advised to adopt dietary modifications that support stomach health, including:

• Balanced Diet: A nutrient-rich diet that includes foods high in vitamin B12, iron, and folate.
• Avoidance of Irritants: Reducing the intake of foods and substances that can irritate the stomach lining, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regular medical check-ups and monitoring are essential for effectively managing autoimmune gastritis. This includes:

• Periodic Endoscopic Evaluations: To monitor for changes in the gastric lining and early detection of potential malignancies.
• Blood Tests: Routine assessments of vitamin B12 levels and complete blood counts to detect anemia.

Long-Term Outlook

With timely treatment and proper care, symptoms can be effectively controlled and the progression of the disease slowed. However, ongoing monitoring is essential to prevent complications like pernicious anemia or gastric cancer.

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Autoimmune Gastritis?

Here are the precautions to help prevent Autoimmune Gastritis in points:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking and tobacco use.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
• Get regular medical check-ups and screenings.
• Monitor for a family history or other autoimmune diseases.
• Seek early medical advice if experiencing stomach discomfort or symptoms.

Complications of Autoimmune Gastritis

If autoimmune gastritis is left untreated, it can cause serious problems:

• Pernicious Anemia: Due to vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to extreme tiredness and nerve issues.
• Gastric Carcinoids and Adenocarcinoma: Long-term inflammation may raise the chance of stomach tumors, so regular check-ups are important.
• Malabsorption: Poor absorption of nutrients causes shortages in essential vitamins and minerals, impacting overall health.

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Our Experience Treating Autoimmune Gastritis

At our centre, we truly understand how difficult autoimmune gastritis can be for patients and their families. With a caring team of experienced Gastroenterologists Medical specialists, we focus on personalised care prepared to each individual's needs.

Using advanced diagnostic tools and the latest treatment options, we work closely with patients to manage symptoms effectively and improve their quality of life. Your health and comfort remain our top priority throughout the entire journey.

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