What Is Antral Gastritis? – Treatments and Symptoms

Overview

Antral Gastritis: Gastritis refers to inflammation of the inner stomach lining. Gastritis can develop quickly (acute gastritis) or gradually over time (chronic gastritis). It can lead to ulcers and may also increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. 

Gastritis is usually not serious and can be treated through various treatment options. Gastritis can also be exacerbated by the use of certain pain medications and excessive alcohol consumption.

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What is antral gastritis?

Antral gastritis refers to the inflammation in the stomach lining found in the antral area of the stomach. 

The antrum refers to the lower portion of the stomach. The mucosa is a mucus-secreting protective covering that lines the inside of the stomach. This lining shields the stomach from the corrosive stomach acid that aids digestion by breaking down food. 

The mucosa becomes inflamed when something damages or weakens this protective layer, resulting in gastritis. The most prevalent cause of gastritis is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

What are the types of antral gastritis?

Gastritis is categorized into two types:

1. Erosive (reactive): This type of gastritis produces both inflammation and stomach lining erosion. Reactive gastritis is another term for this condition. Smoking, alcohol, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, viral or bacterial infections, and stress from diseases or traumas are all contributing factors.
2. Non-erosive: In this condition, the stomach lining becomes inflamed without eroding or damaging the stomach lining.

What are the symptoms of antral gastritis?

The primary symptom of antral gastritis is inflammation or feeling a burning sensation inside your stomach. 

Other symptoms associated with antral gastritis are:

• Feeling full or bloated during or after a meal
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach ulcers
• Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Nausea

When should you consult a doctor?

Almost everyone has experienced indigestion and stomach discomfort at some point in their lives. Indigestion is usually temporary and does not necessitate medical attention. 

However, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms of gastritis for more than a week, vomiting blood, or have blood in your stool, it is recommended to get yourself checked by your Apollo doctor at the earliest.

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What are the causes of antral gastritis?

Digestive fluids can harm and inflame your stomach lining if the mucus-lined barrier that covers your stomach wall is damaged.

This condition can be caused by the following factors:

1. Chronic alcohol consumption can irritate and damage the stomach lining.
2. Autoimmune illnesses occur when the immune system assaults healthy cells in the stomach lining and can result in gastritis. 
3. H. pylori bacteria are the most common cause of persistent gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (stomach ulcers). The bacteria cause inflammation by breaking down the stomach’s protective coating.
4. Bile reflux occurs when bile (a digestive liquid produced by the liver) refluxes or backs up into your stomach and, in certain cases and, into the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). This can cause gastritis.

What are the complications that arise if gastritis is left untreated?

Gastritis, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications like:

Anemia: H. pylori can cause stomach ulcers or gastritis that bleed, resulting in a drop in the red blood cell count leading to anemia.

Pernicious anemia: Autoimmune gastritis might impair vitamin B12 absorption. When you don’t get enough B12 to build healthy red blood cells, you risk developing pernicious anemia.

Stomach cancer: Gastritis produced by H. pylori and autoimmune diseases can create growths in the stomach lining, which can ultimately lead to stomach cancer. 

How is antral gastritis treated?

The following are common treatments for managing and treating antral gastritis:

• Take antacids and other medications to lower stomach acid 
• Avoid spicy and hot foods
• Combination of antibiotics and an acid-blocking medication to treat gastritis caused by H. pylori infection
• B12 vitamin shots (if gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia)
• Getting rid of irritants in the diet, such as lactose from dairy or gluten from wheat

What are the preventive measures taken to reduce antral gastritis?

Antral gastritis, or gastritis in general, can be prevented by following healthy lifestyle habits and a balanced diet. 

Here are a few easy tips to help prevent gastritis:  

• Avoid foods that are greasy, fried, spicy, or acidic.
• Reduce caffeine consumption.
• Eat smaller meals 
• Stress management.
• Reduce the consumption of alcohol. 
• After a meal, avoid lying down for up to 2 to 3 hours.

A note from Apollo hospitals/Apollo group

Gastritis is a common medical condition that can be managed and treated without major complications. By following a healthy lifestyle and a well-balanced diet, most people can prevent gastritis from developing. While it’s not a serious condition, it can cause people to feel uncomfortable and bloated, which can negatively impact other aspects of life. 

However, if you are facing persistent gastritis symptoms for a lengthy period of time, then it’s recommended to consult your Apollo doctor at the earliest and get your gastritis symptoms checked to determine if any other condition or underlying disorder is causing it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) How long does Gastritis last?

Acute gastritis can persist anywhere from 2 to 10 days. Chronic gastritis can continue anywhere from weeks to years, if not treated.

2) Is there a link between antral gastritis and weight loss?

Yes. When signs and symptoms of gastritis do appear, they include stomach discomfort and burning, nausea, and vomiting. Loss of appetite, indigestion, weight loss, belching, and stomach bloating are all possible symptoms. The presence of blood in the stool may also be detected.

3)Is it true that bananas can help with gastritis?

Yes. This low-acid fruit can benefit those who suffer from acid reflux by soothing an inflamed esophagus lining and therefore alleviating discomfort. 

4) Is it safe to consume milk if I have gastritis?

Drinking milk causes an increase in stomach acid production, which might aggravate gastritis symptoms. Any relief a gastritis patient experiences after drinking milk is likely to be temporary, and the inflammation tends to increase after a while. Hence, it’s advisable to avoid consuming milk when recovering from gastritis.