Atrophic Gastritis is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, leading to the loss of glandular cells and a decrease in acid production. The spelling of Atrophic Gastritis can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as [əˈtrɒfɪk gæsˈtraɪtɪs]. The word Atrophic is pronounced with a schwa in the first syllable [ə], followed by the stressed syllable [ˈtrɒfɪk], which is pronounced with a short "o" sound. Gastritis is pronounced with a voiced "g" sound [ɡ], and the stress falls on the second syllable [ˈɡæstrɪtɪs].
Atrophic gastritis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and progressive degeneration of the stomach's lining, also known as the gastric mucosa. This condition results in the loss of specialized cells that produce digestive enzymes and stomach acid needed for food breakdown. The term "atrophic" refers to the shrinking or wasting away of tissues and organs.
Atrophic gastritis is commonly caused by an autoimmune response, in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells lining the stomach. Other potential causes include long-term infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), chronic bile reflux, or genetic predispositions. It is most frequently seen in middle-aged and older individuals.
Symptoms of atrophic gastritis can range from mild to severe and may include indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating, unintentional weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as vitamin deficiencies, anemia, malabsorption of nutrients, and an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.
Diagnosis of atrophic gastritis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, blood tests to check for certain antibodies and vitamin levels, imaging tests such as endoscopy or gastrointestinal series, and a biopsy of the stomach tissue.
Treatment for atrophic gastritis aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve overall stomach health. This may involve lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications to relieve symptoms and promote healing, discontinuation of medications that may worsen the condition, and the use of medications to suppress stomach acid production or manage underlying causes like H. pylori infection. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare professional are essential to manage the condition effectively.
Chronic g. with atrophy of the mucous membrane and more or less destruction of the peptic glands.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "atrophic" derives from the Greek word "atrophos", which means "ill-fed" or "wasting away". It is composed of the prefix "a-" (negation, without) and the Greek "trophe" (nourishment). "Gastritis", on the other hand, comes from the Greek word "gaster" meaning "stomach" and the suffix "-itis" indicating inflammation. Thus, "atrophic gastritis" refers to a condition involving inflammation and wasting away (atrophy) of the stomach lining.