Antral Gastritis: Know About its Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Antral gastritis has become a major health concern in recent years, affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition, characterized by inflammation at the distal end of the stomach, can give rise to a range of symptoms and complications. However, with adequate knowledge and management strategies, antral gastritis can be treated successfully, thus averting other related problems, including enhancing good health. It is crucial for both patients and their doctors to comprehend the causes and signs. Whether one is diagnosed with antral gastritis or is merely interested in knowing more about it, this blog will provide important information, assistance, and treatment options for antral gastritis.

What is Antral Gastritis?

Antral gastritis is a medical condition that occurs when there is inflammation of the stomach’s walls in the antral region. Maybe it is caused by injury or irritants within the lining. According to medicine, the antrum refers to the lower antral part of stomach.

Antral gastritis is a common condition with several causes and can be managed in different ways. However, if basic management does not yield results, it may lead to severe complications. Based on the severity and the intensity, the antral gastritis can be categorized into mild antral gastritis and severe antral gastritis. Gastritis may take a short time to develop (acute gastritis) or occur over a long time period (chronic gastritis). It might lead to ulcer formation and increase the chances of having stomach cancer if not treated early.

Gastritis is generally not considered serious and can be managed through various treatment options. It might also worsen due to some painkillers and drinking too much alcohol.

Types of Antral Gasritis

Gastritis is of two types:

• Reactive/erosive: In this case, the gastritis causes both inflammation and erosion of the stomach lining. Possible causes include smoking; taking alcohol, corticosteroids, or NSAIDs; viral or bacterial infections; or stress due to disease or trauma.
• Non-erosive: In this kind of gastritis, there is an inflammation of the stomach lining without any erosion or damage.

Antral Gastritis Symptoms

In general, inflammation and burning sensations are common symptoms of antral gastritis. Apart from these, there are some more common symptoms, which include:

• Gas: When the stomach gets inflamed, it hinders digestion, and the undigested food moves to the small intestines, where it will be fermented for a long time, thus resulting in flatulence and bloating, which eventually cause gas production, resulting in belching, and one can feel the gas moving in his/her stomach, leading to uncomfortable feelings.
• Loss of appetite: Antral gastritis, in some cases, can lead to a decrease in stomach acid with digestive impairment and decreased appetite.
• Indigestion: Abdominal burning is among the commonest symptoms caused by antral gastritis, which can interfere with the digestion process.
• Pain: Overaccumulation of gas in the stomach causes discomfort, therefore producing pain whenever anything is taken.
• Changes in the Stools: A physician should be consulted, especially in cases where there are changes in stool colors, as they indicate bleeding from stomach ulcers.
• Nausea: Indigestion leads to nausea that is brought about by chronic inflammation, which ranges from mild vomiting to making it hard to eat or having a desire for food.

Antral Gastritis Causes

Not only do the possible causes of antral gastritis differ from individual to individual, but they may also present themselves differently in each case. Nonetheless, there are some common contributing factors that usually lead to this condition, such as

• Helicobacter pylori: The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is one of the most frequent reasons people develop antral gastritis.
• Chronic alcohol consumption and smoking: Drinking alcohol and smoking for a long time can make the stomach lining red and hurt, which is what causes antral gastritis.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): When NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are taken for too long, they can cause gastritis by making the lining of the stomach irritable.
• Autoimmune disorders: In some instances, autoimmune disorders contribute greatly towards causing inflammation on the stomach lining; these include autoimmune gastritis, among others.
• Bile reflux: Bile reflux occurs when bile comes back into contact with the lining of your stomach, thus causing irritation.
• Stress: Chronic stress over time can be a catalyst for immunocompromised body systems that promote susceptibility to gastritis.

In addition to the above, there are some less common causes that may contribute to the antral gastritis, including bacterial infections, food poisoning, trauma, and bedridden conditions.

Antral Gastritis Complications

If left untreated, antral gastritis might cause some complications, such as:

• Bleeding in the stomach.
• Perforations in the stomach.
• Diminished production of stomach acids.
• Anemia.
• Vitamin deficiencies.
• Stomach cancers and more.

Antral Gastritis Diagnosis

In most cases, the diagnosis of antral gastritis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

• Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will want to know about the symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, and also ask about any previous gastrointestinal issues.
• Endoscopy: Antral gastritis endoscopy is done by inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the antral part of the stomach via the mouth so that the lining can be viewed and biopsies taken for testing.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be performed in order to check for anemia, which could indicate chronic blood loss due to gastritis.
• Breath Test: A breath test can detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria.
• Stool Test: H. pylori bacteria can also be found using stool tests.
• Ultrasound or CT scan: In some cases, an ultrasound or CT scan may need to be performed in order to rule out other possibilities.

Antral Gastritis Treatment

The treatment approach for the antral gastritis is recommended based on the severity and the cause of the condition. The treatment approaches for antral gastritis include:

1. Medications

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that decrease acid secretion in the stomach.
• Antacids can reduce stomach acidity and alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms.
• In case the H. pylori infection is responsible for the antral gastritis, antibiotics are given to kill the bacteria.

2. Diet: Antral gastritis diet

Antral gastritis symptoms can be effectively managed through a balanced diet. The following dietary considerations may help:

• Avoid irritants: Spicy and acidic foods, alcohol, and caffeine should be avoided.
• Eat small, frequent meals: Have less frequent meals in smaller proportions to reduce the stomach burden.
• Choose bland foods: Choose easily digestible foods such as rice, toast, boiled potatoes, or lean proteins.
• Consider probiotic foods: Yogurt and kefir can work towards restoring gut flora balance.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol: These lifestyle practices can worsen the symptoms further.
• Limit fatty foods: Avoid foods that slow down digestion and make symptoms worse.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in order to prevent constipation.

3. Surgery

Surgery can be considered for antral gastritis, but it is a rare occurrence. Surgery could involve vagotomy, a procedure cutting the vagus nerve controlling stomach acid production; major gastric resection for serious complications; or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) that is done to excise precancerous stomach lesions or tumors that are small in size. These procedures are only done on patients who have very serious symptoms.

Conclusion

Antral gastritis can be managed with proper understanding, seeking medical advice, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Understanding the underlying causes, seeking medical advice, and avoiding irritants can improve symptoms. Regular follow-ups with a doctor are essential for monitoring and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Yashoda Hospitals, renowned for its excellence in healthcare, provides comprehensive treatment for antral gastritis, utilizing experienced gastroenterologists for diagnosis and management. With advanced diagnostic facilities and treatment options, we address the root causes and alleviate symptoms.

Have any questions or concerns about your health? We’re here to help! Call us at +918065906165 for expert advice and support.