Fatigue due to anemia
This is a common complication, caused by an autoimmune gastritis in which there is a destruction of the parietal cells. These cells produce not only HCL but also intrinsic factor. This substance binds to vitamin B12 and contributes to its absorption in the distal ileum. The absence of intrinsic factor causes vitamin B12 deficiency and leads to megaloblastic anemia. Patients with this problem experience tiredness, weakness, conjunctival pallor, breathlessness, postural hypotension, headache, and tachycardia. Autoimmune gastritis is also associated with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Other complications of gastritis include gastric ulcers, peptic ulcer disease, and perforations of the gastrointestinal tract with intestinal bleeding. Loss of blood through the gastrointestinal tract causes anemia, usually iron deficiency anemia due to chronic bleeding or megaloblastic anemia, also known as pernicious anemia. Active bleeding can also cause hemorrhagic shock. Gastritis can also cause an increase in the risk of adenocarcinoma of the stomach, and gastric polyps.