Antral Gastritis

Antral gastritis affects a significant portion of the global population, particularly males between 40 and 70. This inflammatory condition of the stomach's antral region can lead to various complications, including bleeding. Let's explore the essential aspects of antral gastritis, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods, and effective antral gastritis cure remedies.

What is Antral Gastritis?

The stomach contains a protective mucus-secreting layer called mucosa, which shields the organ from corrosive stomach acid during digestion & maintains digestive health. Antral gastritis occurs when digestive fluids damage this mucus-lined barrier and cause inflammation, specifically in the stomach's lower portion (antrum). 

This inflammation can persist for different durations based on its type:

• Acute gastritis: Typically lasts between 2 to 10 days
• Chronic gastritis: May continue for weeks or even years without proper treatment

Mild antral gastritis symptoms generally resolve without medical intervention. However, persistent symptoms lasting more than a week require medical attention.

Symptoms of Antral Gastritis

The primary indicator manifests as inflammation and a burning sensation within the stomach. The condition frequently presents with digestive discomfort, notably in the upper abdominal region. 

Common symptoms associated with antral gastritis include:

• Loss of appetite with early satiety
• Stomach bloating and pain
• Persistent nausea, occasionally leading to vomiting
• Indigestion and difficulty in digestion
• Frequent belching and excessive gas formation
• Weight loss due to reduced food intake

Antral Gastritis Causes and Risk Factors

The primary culprit behind this condition remains the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, which affects approximately 78% of individuals in certain regions.

Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) stands as the second most common trigger for antral gastritis. These medications, commonly taken for pain relief, can erode the stomach's protective lining, leading to inflammation. 

Chronic stress plays a significant role in triggering antral gastritis by increasing stomach acid production. This excess acid can damage the stomach lining, particularly in individuals who experience prolonged periods of anxiety or emotional strain.

Other notable causes include:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking or regular exposure to secondhand smoke
• Autoimmune disorders affecting the stomach
• Bile reflux from the small intestine
• Viral or bacterial infections beyond H. pylori
• Chronic vomiting
• Physical stress from severe injuries or burns
• Individuals over 60, due to the natural thinning of the stomach lining with age, are more vulnerable to inflammation and damage
• Consuming spicy foods, acidic beverages, and caffeine that can irritate the stomach lining
• Poor sanitation and crowded living conditions increase exposure to H. pylori bacteria
• Certain health conditions heighten the risk of developing antral gastritis:
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Portal hypertension
  • Prolonged bedridden conditions

Complications of Antral Gastritis

Untreated antral gastritis can become serious health complications affecting the digestive system. These include:

• Stomach ulcers represent one of the most common complications, forming open sores in the stomach lining. These ulcers can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, potentially leading to anaemia. The bleeding might manifest through blood in vomit or black, tarry stools.
• Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining can result in several severe conditions:
  • Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Frequent ulcers cause scarring that might narrow or block the stomach's bottom openings (pylorus)
  • Gastrointestinal Perforation: Untreated ulcers can create holes in the stomach wall, allowing bacteria to escape into the abdominal cavity
  • Peritonitis: The spread of bacteria into the abdominal cavity can cause this serious condition, potentially leading to septicemia

Long-term antral gastritis might cause the stomach mucosa to diminish, a condition known as atrophy. This deterioration affects the stomach's ability to digest and absorb essential nutrients, particularly:

• Iron
• Folic acid
• Vitamin B12, leading to pernicious anaemia

Diagnosis

Antral Gastritis Endoscopy: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is the primary diagnostic tool and involves inserting a flexible tube equipped with a camera through the throat into the stomach. The endoscope lets doctors examine the stomach lining directly, identifying signs of inflammation or damage and help differentiate between antral gastritis and antral gastropathy (gastric mucosa erosion without inflammation).

The diagnosis process often includes specific tests for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection:

• Breath Test: Patients consume a specially prepared liquid containing labelled carbon. The presence of H. pylori bacteria converts urea into carbon dioxide, which doctors detect in exhaled breath samples
• Stool Test: Laboratory analysis checks for H. pylori presence and potential blood traces indicating stomach bleeding
• Blood Test: Doctors examine blood samples to identify antibodies linked to antral gastritis

The upper GI series represents another valuable diagnostic tool. This procedure requires patients to swallow a chalky substance called barium, which coats the digestive tract. X-ray imaging then reveals potential abnormalities in the stomach structure.

Treatments

Antral Gastritis Medicine: Antibiotics play a vital role in treating H. pylori infections, with doctors prescribing a combination of medicines for 7 to 14 days. Following the complete course remains crucial for successful treatment outcomes. Alongside antibiotics, doctors often prescribe acid-blocking medications to promote healing.

Home Remedies: Beyond medication, several natural remedies support recovery:

• Consuming coconut water
• Eating fresh ginger before meals
• Applying hot water bags for discomfort
• Including probiotics through curd and buttermilk
• Increasing fluid intake

When to See a Doctor

Seeking immediate medical care becomes crucial under these circumstances:

• Presence of blood in vomit
• Black or tarry stools
• Intense abdominal pain
• Persistent bloating
• Difficulty consuming food

Foods To Eat And To Avoid For Antral Gastritis

Dietary choices significantly influence the management of antral gastritis symptoms.
Beneficial Foods for Antral Gastritis:

• Low-acid fruits: bananas, apples, and melons
• Green leafy vegetables: spinach, carrots, and zucchini
• Whole grains: brown rice, oats, and quinoa
• Lean proteins: skinless chicken, fish, and eggs
• Low-fat dairy: yoghurt and cottage cheese
• Soothing beverages: chamomile tea and clear broths

Foods to Avoid:

• Acidic fruits: citrus fruits and tomatoes
• Spicy vegetables: onions, garlic, and chillies
• Full-fat dairy products: butter and cream
• Fatty proteins: red meat and poultry liver
• Processed foods: pastries, chocolates, and chips
• Beverages: coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks

Consuming smaller, more frequent meals helps reduce stomach acid production. Avoiding lying down immediately after eating prevents acid reflux.

Conclusion

Antral gastritis remains manageable when patients receive proper medical attention and follow recommended treatment protocols. Doctors emphasise the importance of early intervention, particularly because untreated cases can lead to serious complications such as ulcers or stomach cancer. Successful management of antral gastritis depends on several key factors. Patients must follow prescribed medication schedules, maintain dietary restrictions, and attend regular check-ups with doctors. Additionally, lifestyle modifications are essential in preventing symptom recurrence.

FAQs

1. Is antral gastritis serious?

Doctors consider antral gastritis manageable when diagnosed and treated promptly. Nevertheless, untreated cases might progress to severe complications, including stomach cancer, through ulcer development. 

2. How many days to cure antral gastritis?

Acute cases typically resolve within 2-10 days. Chronic cases might persist for weeks or years without proper treatment. 

3. How do you treat antral gastritis at home?

Several home remedies prove effective in managing symptoms:

• Consuming fermented foods containing probiotics like kimchi, kombucha, and yoghurt
• Drinking green tea with raw honey
• Taking garlic extract, which helps combat H. pylori bacteria
• Maintaining smaller, frequent meals throughout the day

4. Is milk consumption safe for antral gastritis?

Despite providing temporary relief, milk stimulates increased stomach acid production. This heightened acid production often aggravates inflammation after the initial relief subsides. 

5. Does Antral gastritis cause weight loss?

Indeed, antral gastritis can lead to unintentional weight loss. This occurs primarily through:

• Persistent indigestion affecting nutrient absorption
• Reduced appetite due to stomach discomfort
• Frequent bloating causing early satiety
• Difficulty maintaining regular eating patterns

Dr. Mohit Jain

MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Gastroenterology)
CARE CHL Hospitals, Indore

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