Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAH)

Chronic atrophic gastritis

is a disease resulting in atrophy (malnutrition, thinning) of the gastric mucosa, its regeneration is disturbed, followed by degeneration from the gastric epithelium into the intestinal epithelium. It should be noted that this is a rather formidable disease, in contrast to superficial gastritis, since there is a risk of degeneration from metaplasia into dysplasia, neoplasia (precancerous changes), and the risk of stomach cancer. But, if you turn to specialists in time, start treatment, follow all the recommendations given by the doctor, lead a healthy lifestyle, then the predictions for recovery are very rosy.

Causes of the disease

The inside of the stomach is lined with a thin, delicate mucous membrane. Normally, it has a light pink tint, even folds, shines like a polished samovar. Under the influence of aggressive factors, cells age, wither, their division slows down, and the regeneration process comes to naught. The cells die off. Atrophy sets in, as a result of which less and less gastric juice is produced, acidity is disturbed, and insufficient digestion of food occurs. Atrophic gastric mucosa degenerates into intestinal mucosa, mutates, grows.
There are two main reasons for the appearance of atrophy. This infection with H. pylori, in which an aggressive bacterium settles in a businesslike manner in the stomach, causes inflammation in it, and then - complete atrophy of the mucous organ.
The second reason is considered to be autoimmune processes. In the second scenario, the disease develops more rapidly. The specific mechanism for starting this process has not yet been fully understood. It is only clear what factors can affect the speed of the pathological process. They note: genetic predisposition, somatic diseases, lack of vitamins, the presence of bad habits, lack of diet, viral infections.
Atrophic gastritis is more often focal. The name itself says that the gastric mucosa is damaged only in places, and not the entire surface is atrophied. Between the inflamed segments there are healthy areas of the mucous membrane, which take over the secretion of hydrochloric acid, thereby compensating for its amount.

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Signs of the disease

There is nausea, belching, increased gas production, bloating, stomach pain, loss of appetite or lack thereof, unstable stool, unpleasant taste, bad breath.
With focal atrophic gastritis, there are often no symptoms.
When treating atrophic focal gastritis, acidity is taken into account. Depending on this, drugs are prescribed.
Antisecretory drugs are prescribed: Omeprazole, Nolpaza, antacids Almagel, Fosfaluged, cytoprotectors De-nol, Vikalin, Rebamipid. If the test for H. pylori is positive, antibiotic therapy is carried out, the schemes are selected individually. After completing a course of antibiotic therapy, it is recommended to drink a course of probiotics.
To eliminate dyspeptic disorders, prokinetics are prescribed: Itoprid, Trimedat, Cerucal.
For pain, antispasmodics No-shpa, Papaverine are prescribed.
In rare cases, if the acidity is significantly reduced, substitution therapy is prescribed, the drugs of which the patient takes for life. These are Acidin-pepsin, Abominpepsidil, as well as replacement therapy with polyenzyme drugs Creon, Pangrol.

Is it possible to come to a full recovery?

The issue is controversial. The opinions of specialists were divided into those who believe that timely, modern complex treatment can contribute to the recovery and complete restoration of the gastric mucosa.
But there are those who do not think so, saying that it is practically impossible. That the process is irreversible from a certain stage, when most of the gastric mucosa is atrophied. If the disease is in its initial stage, then the prognosis is quite optimistic. Here, first of all, timely antibacterial therapy for the eradication of H. pylori plays a positive role. New generation drugs and modern treatment regimens are distinguished by good and lasting results.

Diet for chronic atrophic gastritis

The first thing to start with is to establish a diet. If possible, eat at the same time. Food should be eaten in small portions, finely chopped or even homogenized.
Recommended in the diet: lean meats, fish, dried white bread, eggs, low-fat cottage cheese, cheese, boiled rice, vegetable broths, potatoes, zucchini, beets, cabbage, tomatoes, seasonal fruits, berries.

What to exclude from the diet

It is necessary to exclude fatty fish, pork, lamb, rye bread, marinades, spices, legumes, mushrooms, onions, garlic, radishes, turnips.
Millet, pearl barley, barley grits can cause discomfort. Strong coffee, tea, kvass, fat milk, cream can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.
Alcoholic drinks, smoking are the main enemies, they must be banned or one should not hope for recovery. Our health is in our hands!
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