Introduction
Chronic gastritis is a widespread condition affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, resulting in various symptoms that can make daily activities difficult to perform. Inflammation may persist for a long time, ranging from several months to years. Although gastritis symptoms can be unpleasant, most cases are treatable with medication and lifestyle changes. Pathologists differentiate chronic gastritis into two subtypes: active and inactive gastritis, which differ in their underlying pathology. Active and inactive gastritis can develop over time, leading to chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. Individuals can better take steps to alleviate their symptoms and enhance their overall health and well-being if they understand this condition better.
What Is Chronic Inactive Gastritis?
Chronic inactive gastritis is a type of gastritis marked by stomach lining inflammation but with little or no active inflammation. This means there are no signs of active infection or ulceration in the stomach lining. It is called "inactive" because there are no visible signs of ongoing inflammation or damage to the stomach lining.
Chronic inactive gastritis is when the stomach lining becomes inflamed, impairing its normal functioning. This inflammation can damage the foveolar cells that line the inner surface of the stomach, which are specialized cells responsible for producing a protective layer of mucus that safeguards the stomach lining from digestive acid. As a result, the damage to the foveolar cells can lead to decreased mucus production, increased acid secretion, and further aggravation of inflammation, which can contribute to symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
How Does Chronic Inactive Gastritis Differ From Active Gastritis?
Active gastritis, also known as acute gastritis, is characterized by ongoing tissue damage or injury and chronic inflammation. This subtype of gastritis is diagnosed when the pathologist observes specialized immune cells called neutrophils in the stomach lining. The neutrophil is a type of white blood cell present during an active immune response to injury or infection. The presence of neutrophils in the stomach lining indicates ongoing tissue damage and that the immune system attempts to repair the damaged tissue. This gastritis type is typically associated with more severe symptoms and may require more aggressive treatment.
In contrast, inactive gastritis denotes the absence of neutrophils in the stomach lining and indicates no ongoing tissue damage or injury. This subtype of gastritis is diagnosed when the pathologist observes chronic inflammation without any evidence of tissue damage or injury. Although the symptoms associated with inactive gastritis may be less severe than those related to active gastritis, they can still significantly impact an individual's quality of life. In some cases, untreated inactive gastritis can progress to active gastritis, which may require more aggressive treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Inactive Gastritis?
Chronic inactive gastritis can cause various symptoms that impact an individual's quality of life.
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Abdominal pain, ranging from aching to a burning sensation, is one of the most prevalent symptoms. This pain often intensifies when the stomach is empty, which can lead to an increased feeling of hunger.
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Nausea is also common and may be accompanied by vomiting. People have been benefitted by purchasing anti-nausea wristband in managing nausea and vomiting.
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Bloating is another common symptom that may result in fullness and discomfort in the abdomen.
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Additionally, loss of appetite is a common manifestation of chronic inactive gastritis, which can lead to weight loss if left untreated.
It is crucial to remember that these symptoms can differ in intensity and duration and may occur intermittently or persistently over time.
What Causes Chronic Inactive Gastritis?
A microorganism known as Helicobacter pylori, particularly prevalent in rural and developing areas of the world, frequently causes chronic inactive gastritis by infecting the stomach lining. Although the infection is the most common cause of chronic inactive gastritis, this condition may also arise in individuals who have previously undergone successful treatment for the infection.
Even after the bacteria have been eliminated, chronic gastritis can recur for months or years. In addition to bacterial infections, chronic inactive gastritis can result from the prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin and Advil, excessive alcohol consumption, bile reflux, and autoimmune diseases. NSAIDs mainly irritate the stomach lining and can exacerbate inflammation, leading to further damage. Autoimmune diseases, conversely, result in the immune system attacking the body's tissues, including the stomach lining, leading to chronic inflammation and damage. Therefore, identifying the underlying cause of chronic inactive gastritis is vital to ensure proper treatment and management.
How Is Chronic Inactive Gastritis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of chronic inactive gastritis typically involves a biopsy, in which a tiny amount of tissue is removed and observed under a microscope by a pathologist. To further confirm the diagnosis, additional tests such as immunohistochemistry or special stains may be ordered to identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori. In chronic inactive gastritis, the pathologist observes more plasma cells in the lamina propria, which indicates chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. However, the absence of neutrophils damaging the epithelium distinguishes inactive gastritis from active gastritis, characterized by ongoing tissue injury. Neutrophils are typically observed during the early stages of tissue injury and indicate continued damage.
How Is Chronic Inactive Gastritis Treated?
The treatment of chronic inactive gastritis will depend on the root cause and severity of the inflammation. Antibiotics may be prescribed to eradicate the bacteria if an underlying infection, such as Helicobacter pylori, cause gastritis. If the gastritis is caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the medication may need to be discontinued or replaced with an alternative pain reliever. In some cases, acid-suppressing medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), may be given to decrease acid production in the stomach and promote healing of the stomach lining. In severe cases of chronic inactive gastritis, surgery might be required to remove the damaged tissue.
Conclusion
To conclude, discomfort in the stomach can alter the quality of life, which is what happens in any gastritis. While chronic inactive gastritis may not cause immediate pain, it is still important to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications that might occur in the future. This condition can progress to more serious digestive disorders if left untreated. Through early detection and appropriate treatment, individuals with chronic, inactive gastritis can manage their symptoms and prevent disease progression. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and stress-reducing activities can also support digestive health and overall well-being.
