Chronic Gastritis (Autoimmune)

Chronic Gastritis (Autoimmune) is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining, specifically the part that produces important digestive substances. This affects the stomach, leading to inflammation and damage over time. The main impact is a reduction in stomach acid and a decrease in a protein called intrinsic factor, which is essential for absorbing vitamin B12. Without enough vitamin B12, people can develop anemia and experience symptoms like fatigue and weakness. This condition can also increase the risk of developing stomach problems such as ulcers or even stomach cancer.

Chronic Gastritis (Autoimmune) is a form of chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by an autoimmune response targeting gastric parietal cells and intrinsic factor. The immune-mediated destruction leads to atrophy of the gastric body and fundus mucosa, resulting in hypochlorhydria and pernicious anemia due to impaired vitamin B12 absorption. It is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against parietal cells and intrinsic factor. This condition is associated with an increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric carcinoid tumors. The pathogenesis involves a loss of gastric acid secretion and intrinsic factor production, which are critical for normal digestion and hematopoiesis.