Can Helicobacter pylori positivity lead to gastric mucosal atrophy?

helicobacter pylori positivity may lead to gastric mucosal atrophy, but not all infected individuals will experience this condition. Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the main causes of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers and other diseases. Long term infection may trigger gastric mucosal inflammation, leading to atrophic gastritis. It is recommended that infected individuals seek medical attention promptly, clear bacteria through standardized treatment, and reduce the risk of gastric mucosal lesions. After Helicobacter pylori infection, the bacteria will colonize the surface of the gastric mucosa and secrete substances such as urease to destroy the gastric mucosal barrier. Continuous inflammatory stimulation may cause a gradual reduction in gastric glandular tissue, thinning of mucosa, and formation of atrophic changes. This process usually develops slowly and may only manifest as non atrophic gastritis in the early stages, accompanied by symptoms such as upper abdominal pain and bloating. Some patients can observe mucosal congestion, edema and other manifestations through gastroscopy examination, and pathological biopsy may indicate active inflammation or intestinal metaplasia. In rare cases, Helicobacter pylori infection may not cause significant gastric mucosal atrophy, especially when the infected person has strong immune function or low bacterial virulence. But there is still a risk of abnormal gastric acid secretion and digestive disorders in this group of people. If there are risk factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and high salt diet at the same time, it may accelerate the process of mucosal atrophy and even increase the probability of gastric cancer. H. pylori positive individuals should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, reduce the intake of pickled foods, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. During the treatment period, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's advice to complete the antibiotic course, and after 4-8 weeks of medication, a breath test should be conducted to confirm the eradication effect. Moderate consumption of foods rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli and kiwifruit, can help protect the gastric mucosa in daily life.