Antral gastritis involves inflammation of the antrum, a crucial part of the stomach responsible for secreting digestive enzymes and regulating stomach motility. When inflamed, it can cause discomfort and disrupt normal digestive processes. It's often caused by H. pylori bacteria, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy and biopsy. Treatment usually includes antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, along with proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid production and avoiding irritants like NSAIDs and alcohol. Managing stress and adopting a healthy diet can also help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
What is Antral Gastritis?
Antral gastritis is the inflammation of the antrum in stomach, which is the lower portion near the pylorus. This area plays a key role in digestive processes by producing mucus and digestive enzymes. Inflammation here can cause discomfort, indigestion, and other gastric symptoms.
Types of antral gastritis
There are two main types of antral gastritis:
- Erosive antral gastritis: Characterised by erosions or ulcers in the lining of the antrum, causing pain and discomfort.
- Non-erosive antral gastritis: Involves inflammation of the antrum without erosions or ulcers, leading to symptoms like bloating and indigestion.
What are the symptoms of Antral Gastritis
Antral gastritis manifests through various symptoms, including:
Abdominal pain: Typically localised in the upper abdomen, varying from dull to sharp.
Bloating: Feeling of fullness or swelling in the stomach region due to gas accumulation.
Nausea and vomiting: Sensations of queasiness often leading to vomiting, particularly after meals.
Indigestion: Discomfort or burning sensation in the upper abdomen, especially after eating.
Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat due to discomfort or pain.
Heartburn: Burning sensation in the chest, often occurring after meals or when lying down.
These symptoms may vary in severity and duration, depending on the underlying cause and individual factors.
Causes of erosive antral gastritis
Erosive antral gastritis, characterised by erosions or ulcers in the antrum of the stomach, can result from various causes:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: Common bacterial infection leading to inflammation and erosion of the stomach lining.
- NSAID use: Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the stomach lining, leading to erosive gastritis.
- Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate and damage the stomach lining, causing erosions.
- Stress: Severe stress or trauma can increase stomach acid production, contributing to erosion of the antrum lining.
- Other factors: Smoking, bile reflux, and autoimmune disorders may also contribute to erosive antral gastritis.
How is gastritis diagnosed?
Gastritis, including antral gastric inflammation, is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common methods include endoscopy, where a camera examines the stomach lining, and biopsy to detect inflammation or infection in the antral gastric region, helping determine the severity and cause.
When should you consult a doctor?
You should consult a doctor if you experience persistent symptoms of antral gastropathy, such as ongoing stomach pain, nausea, or unexplained weight loss. Early medical advice helps in timely diagnosis and effective management of the condition.
Is erosive antral gastritis curable?
Erosive antral gastritis can be managed effectively with appropriate treatment. However, complete cure depends on addressing underlying causes such as H. pylori infection and making lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence.
What are the complications that arise if gastritis is left untreated?
Chronic inflammation of the antrum in stomach can lead to ulcers.
Untreated gastritis may cause bleeding or perforation in the stomach lining.
Long-term damage to the antrum in stomach increases the risk of stomach cancer.
Persistent irritation can result in digestive discomfort and malabsorption.