Giant hypertrophic gastritis is characterized by an inflammation of the lining of the stomach due a build up of inflammatory cells in the mucosa causing a development of abnormally huge, coiled folds which look like polyps. The precise cause of the condition is not known. The disorder is sometimes also known as Menetrier disease.
There is sizeable uncertainty and contradiction in the medical research regarding conditions which involve huge gastric folds. Some researchers consider giant hypertrophic gastritis and Menetrier disease are variants of the same disorder or varied sections of one disease spectrum.
The symptoms vary from individual to individual. Some people do not show any symptoms at all. Commonly seen symptoms are – nausea, vomiting, heartburn, pain in the upper middle region of the abdomen and diarrhea. There will be loss of appetite and weight loss as well.
In extreme cases, there will be low levels of the protein albumin which causes accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Gastrointestinal bleeding has been reported in some cases too.
What Causes Hypertrophic Gastritis?
- The precise cause of giant hypertrophic gastritis is not yet known.
- Research and clinical trials hypothesize that an inflated response by the immune system to an as yet unknown foreign body may be a trigger.
- Some people have acute Helicobacter pylori gastritis or celiac sprue, and then giant hypertrophic gastritis develops. Though, the correct relationship between these disorders has not been fully understood.
- Males as well as females are known to get afflicted in equal numbers. It may affect people in any age group, but it is frequently seen in late adulthood.
Diagnosis And Treatment For Hypertrophic Gastritis
- Large gastric folds can be identified via an endoscopy, a procedure wherein a thin, flexible tube is introduced through the mouth and used to inspect the interior of the stomach and obtain samples for biopsy.
- Diagnosis is confirmed based on patient history, clinical assessment and the histio-pathologic evaluation of the stomach tissue which shows a typical build up of inflammatory cells in the lining of the stomach.
- There is no specific treatment; management is generally symptomatic and supportive.
- If there is a history of H. pylori infection; antibiotics treatment needs to be done. Be sure to follow the full antibiotic course, typically for 10 – 14 days.
- Medications that block acid production are given. Proton pump inhibitors decrease the acid by blocking the action of cells which manufacture acid. On the other hand, be sure to confer with your health care provider, given that, a long-term usage of proton pump inhibitors increases your risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures.
- Acid blockers called H-2 blockers are given to diminish the quantity of acid released into the GI tract; this allays the gastritis pain and discomfort and encourages healing.
- Antacids to neutralize stomach acid are beneficial as well. These drugs provide quick pain relief.
- Home remedies and natural treatments help deal with gastritis symptoms; and what’s more, none of them are fraught with any side effects. Ginger, caraway seeds, mint, basil and cumin seeds are the most effective natural remedies to deal with pain, nausea, heart-burn, water-brash and bowel irregularity related to giant hypertrophic gastritis.