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PubMed This is a summary of 80 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Gastroenterology

The Patient's Guide to Autoimmune Gastritis

At a Glance

Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG) is a chronic illness where the immune system attacks the stomach, leading to severe iron and Vitamin B12 deficiencies. Proper management requires nutrient replacement, endoscopy monitoring for gastric tumors, and screening for other associated autoimmune conditions.

Welcome to the Patient’s Guide to Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG).

If you are reading this, you or someone you care about has likely been diagnosed with AIG, or you are undergoing medical evaluation for it. Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic illness can be overwhelming, confusing, and frightening. Many patients experience a long and frustrating journey of unexplained symptoms, such as profound fatigue or relentless anemia, before finally finding an answer.

This guide is designed to empower you. It translates complex medical information into clear, actionable knowledge so you can understand your condition, partner effectively with your medical team, and advocate for your long-term health. Every factual claim in this guide is backed by medical research citations.

Navigating the Guide

This guide is broken down into specific chapters that cover the entire journey of Autoimmune Gastritis, from understanding the underlying biology to managing the condition over the long term.

Please explore the following sections to learn more:

01

Understanding Autoimmune Gastritis

Learn about Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG), its hidden symptoms like fatigue and anemia, and how it affects stomach acid, iron, and Vitamin B12 absorption.

02

Symptoms and the Long Road to Diagnosis

Learn why autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is often misdiagnosed. Understand the hidden symptoms like refractory iron deficiency, brain fog, and low B12 levels.

03

How Autoimmune Gastritis is Diagnosed

Learn how autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is diagnosed. Understand key blood tests, endoscopy signs, and how to read your pathology report and biopsy results.

04

Managing Deficiencies and Treatment

Learn how to manage Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG) nutritional deficiencies. Discover treatment options for B12 and refractory iron deficiency, including IV iron.

05

Monitoring and Long-Term Health

Learn about long-term monitoring for autoimmune gastritis (AIG). Understand endoscopy guidelines, hypergastrinemia, gNETs, and your risk for stomach cancer.

06

When One Becomes Many: Associated Conditions

Learn about the autoimmune conditions commonly associated with Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG), including Hashimoto's, Type 1 Diabetes, and Celiac disease.

Knowledge is your best tool for navigating a chronic illness. Take your time, read through these pages, and use the provided reflection questions and questions for your doctor to prepare for your next appointment. You are not alone on this journey.

Common questions in this guide

What are the first signs and symptoms of Autoimmune Gastritis?
Many patients experience a long period of unexplained symptoms before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Common early signs include profound fatigue, persistent iron deficiency anemia, and neurological warning signs related to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
How is Autoimmune Gastritis diagnosed?
AIG is typically confirmed through a combination of blood tests checking for specific antibodies and nutrient deficiencies. A definitive diagnosis also requires an upper endoscopy with careful biopsies of the stomach lining.
What other conditions are associated with Autoimmune Gastritis?
Because Autoimmune Gastritis involves the immune system, patients often experience 'polyautoimmunity,' meaning they develop multiple autoimmune diseases. It is highly recommended to be screened for commonly associated conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Type 1 Diabetes.
What type of doctor treats Autoimmune Gastritis?
Your care plan will likely involve a team of specialists depending on your specific needs. This usually includes a primary care provider, a gastroenterologist to monitor your stomach health, and potentially a hematologist if you have severe anemia.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.What subtype or stage of AIG do I have, and how does this impact my overall care plan?
  2. 2.Who will be the primary doctor coordinating my AIG care: my primary care provider, a gastroenterologist, or a hematologist?
  3. 3.How often should we review my care plan to ensure my treatments and surveillance schedules are up to date?

Questions For You

Tap a prompt to share your answer — we'll use it plus this page's context to start a tailored conversation.

Related questions

Is Autoimmune Gastritis Deadly? Risks & Life ExpectancyWhat is the Prognosis for Autoimmune Gastritis?

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your primary care provider or gastroenterologist to determine the best care plan for your specific diagnosis.

Get notified when new evidence is published on autoimmune gastritis.

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