Always an Uncomfortable Stomach? Chronic Gastritis, Left Untreated, Is a Shortcut to 'Gastric Cancer'

Chronic gastritis refers to a state in which a continuous inflammatory reaction appears in the gastric mucosa. Going beyond simple indigestion, it is a serious condition that can ultimately lead to degeneration of stomach tissue as the process of gastric mucosal cell injury and regeneration repeats. In particular, Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and chronic stress are cited as major causes. Our stomach has a sophisticated system that protects itself by regulating gastric acid secretion and secreting mucus. However, chronic irritation breaks down this protective barrier. When the gastric mucosa is continuously exposed to inflammation, the cells of the gastric mucosa are damaged and destroyed, which can progress to precancerous lesions such as atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia. Atrophic gastritis is a condition in which the gastric mucosa thins and the ability to secrete gastric acid declines, while intestinal metaplasia refers to gastric mucosal cells transforming like intestinal cells; both are known to significantly increase the risk of developing gastric cancer. Furthermore, chronic stress affects the neuroendocrine system, disrupting gastrointestinal motility and gastric acid secretion. The stress hormone cortisol can reduce blood flow in the gastric mucosa and amplify inflammatory responses, while autonomic nervous system imbalance induces acid reflux or delayed gastric emptying, aggravating gastritis. The gut-brain axis is an important concept explaining this close relationship between stress and gastrointestinal function. When the stomach is uncomfortable, the brain becomes unsettled, and when the brain experiences stress, the stomach worsens, perpetuating a vicious cycle. The reason chronic gastritis causes loss of appetite is not solely due to pain. The gastric mucosa damaged by inflammation loses its ability to digest food and absorb nutrients, which leads to a decrease in digestive enzyme secretion, resulting in an overall hypofunction of digestion. Ultimately, our body cannot properly receive the necessary energy, manifesting as systemic symptoms such as lethargy, fatigue, and decreased immunity. Therefore, chronic gastritis is a condition that definitely requires proactive management and treatment right from the early stages.