Atrophic gastritis is one of the varietiesthis disease, occurring in about 20% of all cases of gastritis. And this form is one of the most serious, which causes anxiety among gastroenterologists. With atrophic gastritis there is a strong thinning of the gastric mucosa, atrophy of the glands responsible for the production of gastric juice. Another very unpleasant phenomenon accompanying atrophic gastritis is a disruption of the normal functioning of the immune system in the body of a sick person. This happens for several reasons. First, the development of immunoglobulin A. is disrupted. And secondly, certain antibodies are produced that begin to destroy cells of the gastric glands. Strictly speaking, that's why the mucous membrane of the stomach is thinning - this is an atrophic process. The onset of the pathological process of atrophy occurs at the bottom of the stomach, as it is where parietal cells are located. After their damage, there is a disruption in the production of gastric juice components such as pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid, which are directly involved in the digestion process. And as soon as this process begins, even more traumatization of the gastric mucosa occurs with food. Accordingly, more injured area - more area of atrophy. It turns out a kind of vicious circle, which you will hardly be able to break without treatment. In addition, with atrophic gastritis, the amount of gastromucoprotein, a gastric juice enzyme responsible for the assimilation of vitamin B12, is significantly reduced. A sharp decrease in the content in the body of this vitamin leads to the development of B12-defezitnoy anemia. While gastritis is only superficial, this problem is almost not a note, but then it can turn into serious complications. Especially often this happens in cases where gastritis occurs with high acidity. 
Causes of development of atrophic gastritis
There is no smoke without fire, there is no disease without cause,provoking its development. This is also true for atrophic gastritis. Although even doctors can not unequivocally say, it can provoke the development of this disease - it has not been possible to establish this scientifically reliably. Nevertheless, a number of reasons that increase the risk of atrophic gastritis development are nevertheless voiced:
- The use of aggressive food
In order to begin the development of pathologicalprocess, it is necessary to negatively affect the gastric mucosa. And very often this annoying factor is food. Spicy, spicy, too hot and too cold, badly chewed - it can greatly damage the state of the stomach.
- Chemical poisoning
Sometimes it happens that in the stomach cavitygets a chemical substance. Whether it is alkali, or acid - a violent chemical reaction can not be avoided. Do not believe me? You can see in practice. Add a glass of water a drop of vinegar and a pinch of soda - an active chemical process will begin. And in the stomach is all the same. And this can cause the development of atrophic gastritis. Incidentally, those people who are forced to constantly contact toxic substances by their activities should be particularly attentive. Of course, no one claims that you will drink these substances. But remember that by inhaling air with particles of these substances settle in the oral cavity. So, they swallow and fall into the stomach. By the way, just as you can earn and erosive gastritis.
- Bad habits
Probably, no one needs to explain thatnicotine, and alcohol have the strongest irritating effect on the gastric mucosa. Incidentally, this applies to coffee and carbonated drinks - they also injure mucous membranes and can provoke the development of atrophic gastritis. Many smokers often take symptoms of gastritis, at least periodically.
- Reflux
Reflux is the casting of the contents of the intestineback into the stomach. What will happen in this case is not difficult to imagine. Reflux with a very high probability can provoke the development of atrophic gastritis with high acidity.
- Medicinal products
In some cases, the cause of irritation of the subsequenttrauma of the gastric mucosa becomes a prolonged intake of certain medications. If you are forced to undergo a medical treatment, follow all the measures to prevent the development of gastritis. And if the pain is still there, as soon as possible, tell your doctor about it. You may need to consult a gastroenterologist.
Symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis
Chronic atrophic gastritis can veryfor a long time to proceed almost asymptomatically, until a certain stage of progression, while it is superficial. After this, the following symptoms begin to appear in the sick person:
- Heaviness in the stomach
Sick people note that the heaviness in the stomachbecomes their habitual companion. It is enough to eat a whole slice of bread or a few soups of soup, as there is a feeling of a strong overcrowding of the stomach, as if after a plentiful feast. Discomfort is pronounced. Incidentally, this is why often people suffering from chronic atrophic gastritis, sooner or later begin to lose weight. Lovely women, this is not a guide to action and not a reason for joy. After all, for the extra pounds thus lost will be too expensive. Then it is necessary to be treated for a long time.
- Belching and heartburn
As the disease develops in a sick personMore and more often there is a belch, and more often with an acidic aftertaste. This happens shortly after each meal. In addition to burping, a sick person can be vexed by severe heartburn that does not pass a long time even after taking medications. By the way, and eructation, and heartburn - signs that atrophic gastritis occurs with high acidity.
- Problems with the intestines
Because of the general disturbance of the digestive processthere are interruptions in the work of the intestine. A sick person often complains about such symptoms as constant gurgling and rumbling. Often violated stool - constipation is replaced by diarrhea and vice versa. And to such violations can lead even a superficial gastritis with a low acidity.
- Deterioration of the general condition of the body
The general condition suffers too muchorganism. As the disease develops, there will be an increasing deterioration in the absorption of various nutrients, vitamin and trace elements. As a consequence, avitaminosis and anemia develop, not only B12, but also iron deficiency - all the symptoms are expressed quite clearly. Lack of vitamin C leads to a weakening of immunity, gum bleeding, a lack of vitamin A can become the culprit for deterioration of the skin, nails and hair, as well as reduced vision. A person begins to experience symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, fast fatigue. At first all this is very modest, but gradually the condition of the sick person worsens.
- Painful sensations
As you can see, the pain is the most recent in the listsymptoms of atrophic gastritis. And it is not surprising, because, despite all the other symptoms, the pain for this type of gastritis is not typical. And if pain arises, then for a short time. It has a pulling stupid character, localized in the epigastric region. 
Diagnosis and treatment of the disease
In order to choose the right treatment, a doctormust reliably diagnose the disease. After all, similar symptoms are observed in a number of other varieties of gastritis. And every kind of gastritis requires its individual approach and treatment. For example, superficial and erosive gastritis can not be treated equally. For diagnosis, the doctor will assign a number of studies to the patient:
- X-ray examination of the stomach
- Fibrogastroduodenoscopic examination of the stomach
- Determination of acidity level of gastric juice
- Immunological examination of blood
Based on all these data, the physician objectivelyassess the condition of a sick person, determine the stage of the disease and the state of the gastric mucosa. And only after that will he choose an individual course of treatment. And the first thing that is necessary for successful treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis is a therapeutic diet. If the food is wrong, there is no reason to hope for effective treatment. During the exacerbation of the disease, a sick person should receive sparing food - there should be no mechanical or thermal irritation of the gastric mucosa. Pay special attention to the consistency of the food - it must be thoroughly crushed, without any coarse particles. Cooking products can be either steamed, or boiled, or baked in the oven - of course, without fat. Before eating, all dishes must be crushed thoroughly, until a puree state. In no case it is unacceptable to use cold or hot dishes - both high and low temperatures irritate and injure the mucous membrane of the stomach. Ideally, all food intended for a person with exacerbation of chronic atrophic gastritis should be at room temperature. Yes, and outside the exacerbation, strictly speaking, to abuse rough, cold or hot food is still not worth it - it should be moderately warm. Pay attention to the list of strictly prohibited products. Their use is inadmissible under any pretext, as it will provoke even greater deterioration of the condition of the sick person. So:
- Spicy, salty, smoked and acidic foods
- Products containing artificial preservatives and colorants
- Easily assimilated carbohydrates - as a rule, sweets: chocolate, sweets, cakes
- Carbonated and alcoholic beverages, as well as caffeinated beverages
And from all these products a person who is sickchronic atrophic gastritis, it is necessary to refuse and beyond the period of exacerbation. Since these products alone can provoke the development of an exacerbation. Therefore, better give preference to the following products:
- Boiled meat, fish and poultry are extremely low-fat varieties
- Thermally processed vegetables and fruits
- Thick mucous soups, well-boiled porridges
- Kissels, jelly and mousses
- Fruit juices - with reduced acidity
- Still mineral water, unsweetened compotes, cocoa
Folk recipes
In the event that you have chronic atrophicgastritis, you can try to cure it with folk remedies. Of course, in no case can not ignore the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis, which you appointed a doctor. But you can perfectly combine both, and other treatment. Of course, in the event that the doctor gave his permission for this.
- Sea buckthorn oil
For the treatment of atrophic gastritis with increasedacidity of gastric juice is successfully used sea buckthorn oil. And it is better to use already ready, which can be easily purchased at any pharmacy. The method of use is very simple - dilute in half a glass of warm milk, two teaspoons of sea buckthorn oil. Drink this mixture in the morning, on an empty stomach. Treatment should last at least one month. Thus, even a very neglected gastritis can be cured. By the way, this remedy very well helps and with severe heartburn, which very often happens in people suffering from gastritis with high acidity. Just slightly increase the concentration of sea buckthorn oil - up to three teaspoons. But be prepared for the fact that the stool can soften a little.
- Pharmacy Chamomile
Chamomile has many usefulproperties - it is used to cure a very large number of diseases. And our gastritis - both with lowered and with high acidity - can also be treated with a decoction of chamomile. A sick person with high acidity can also get rid of heartburn with the help of chamomile. To prepare the broth, place three tablespoons of dry chamomile inflorescences in an enamel pan, fill with one liter of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. After that, wrap the pan with a towel and leave to stand for two hours. In the event that gastritis with a low acidity, you can add five tablespoons of any natural honey - it perfectly removes the inflammatory process of the gastric mucosa. In the same case, if gastritis with high acidity, honey should not be added in any case, since it can provoke the appearance of severe heartburn. Moreover - with gastritis with high acidity, you can prepare a decoction on milk. It is prepared in exactly the same way, only it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. A decoction is taken three times a day, half an hour before meals. And with reduced acidity - just before eating. We advise you to read:
