New Delhi: Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the stomach mucosa due to an autoimmune response to the parietal cells of the stomach lining. These acid-secreting cells are found only in the fundus and the body of the stomach. In contrast to other types of chronic gastritis, autoimmune gastritis is limited to the stomach fundus & body and ultimately causes gastric mucosal atrophy. Dr. Gyanranjan Rout, Consultant – Medical Gastroenterologist, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, answered all FAQs about autoimmune gastritis.
Ethology and Outcomes
Damage to parietal cells leads to a decrease in the secretion of gastric acid and intrinsic factors. This results in a deficiency of such nutrients as iron and vitamin B12 which is essential in the body. Pernicious anemia and iron deficiency anaemia are the two types of anemia that are likely to develop as complications of the disease.
Clinical Manifestations
Most patients with autoimmune gastritis have symptoms due to anemia like fatigue & weakness. Deficiency of vitamin B12 also leads to neurological manifestations like peripheral neuropathy and ataxia. These symptoms must be detected and acted upon early to avoid the development of complications.
Diagnostic Approach
Autoimmune gastritis, therefore, can be diagnosed through appropriate clinical suspicion and diagnostic procedures. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with gastric biopsy remains the most accurate method for assessing mucosal changes and atrophy. Furthermore, serological tests for parietal cell antibodies are supportive of the autoimmune etiology of the disease.
Higher Chances of Complications
Autoimmune gastritis is associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia, both of which are potentially serious conditions. In addition, they are prone to gastric malignancies such as stomach cancer and neuroendocrine tumour.
Management Strategies
At this time, there is no cure for autoimmune gastritis and the treatment is usually aimed at relieving the symptoms. Management mainly revolves around the treatment of complications that are linked with this condition. Deficiency can be treated by iron supplementation and vitamin B12 injections. Endoscopic examination is advised to screen for possible malignancies and to intervene as early as possible.
Autoimmune gastritis is a multifaceted disease with impressive medical consequences because of the effect on the absorption of nutrients and the relationship with gastric neoplasms. It is therefore important that patients be encouraged to seek early diagnosis and be placed on the right supplements so that they can be closely monitored through endoscopic assessments.
Autoimmune gastritis is associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia, both of which are potentially serious conditions. In addition, they are prone to gastric malignancies such as stomach cancer and neuroendocrine tumour. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
