$Unique_ID{BRK01411}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{What Does Atrophy of the Stomach Mean?}
$Subject{stomach atrophy cause}
$Volume{I-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does Atrophy of the Stomach Mean?


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QUESTION:  I am horrified by a diagnosis by my doctor that my stomach is
atrophying.  I have no idea what this means, nor how dangerous it is.  Could
you please explain, without frightening me further?

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ANSWER:  Atrophic gastritis (atrophy of the stomach) is a common condition in
older people, and in most of them, it causes little or no problems.  The
condition is characterized by inflammation and atrophy (which means "to waste
away" or "fail to grow") of the lining of the stomach, not the stomach as a
whole.  The inflammation is accompanied by a shortage in hydrochloric acid,
one of the acids the stomach secretes to digest food, as the amount of acid
producing tissue is reduced.  The symptoms for atrophic gastritis include
indigestion, a feeling of fullness in the stomach after small meals, weight
loss, hives, and wheezing.
     Because gastric acid protects the intestinal system, in addition to
digesting food, atrophic gastritis is sometimes complicated by intestinal
infections.  People with atrophic gastritis are more likely to pick up
bacterial and viral intestinal infections, such as Traveler's Diarrhea.  In
some cases, atrophic gastritis can be accompanied by nutritional deficiencies,
such as pernicious anemia or a lack of calcium.  Pernicious anemia, if
present, is treated with vitamin B12 shots and iron supplements.  Atrophic
gastritis was once thought to be a risk factor for stomach cancer, but recent
studies are showing this not to be so.  Carcinoid tumors of the stomach, which
are not malignant, may be associated with atrophic gastritis however.  Your
physician will probably examine your stomach through an endoscope at regular
intervals to check for these growths, and to keep an eye (literally) on your
condition.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
