Antral gastritis unveiled: Exploring causes, symptoms, and treatment options

Health is prone to get affected at some point or another, despite utmost care and concern. So, to handle medical emergencies well, it is better to protect yourself under a competent health insurance plan. Health insurance from Zurich Kotak General Insurance is a noteworthy name to save your day.

This article will deal with antral gastritis, its symptoms, causes, and treatments.

What is antral gastritis: Antral gastritis meaning?

Antral gastritis happens when the stomach lining is inflamed due to excessive acid production which restricts the protective lining of mucus and aids in food digestion. A typical bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is responsible for this situation.

The intensity of antral erosive gastritis can vary from mild to intense. During advanced stages, it may cause stomach ulcers, eventually leading to stomach cancer.

“Antral” refers to the lower portion of the stomach. Excessive use of paracetamols and alcohol can aggravate the situation. Some certain special drugs and medicines may ease the situation.

Causes of antral gastritis

The commonest form of antral gastric disease happens due to excess usage of NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Over-usage of these drugs eventually reduces the mucus layer, causing antral erosion which damages the lining of the stomach.

Some of the common causes of antral gastritis are:

1. A parasite infection called anisakiasis

2. Any bacterial infection caused due to streptococci

3. Excessive alcohol consumption including whiskey, gin, vodka

4. Trauma

5. Acid reflux from the small intestine

6. Allergies and food poisoning

7. Chronic stress

8. Using chemotherapy, aspirin, iron supplements, cocaine, steroids

9. Lack of sufficient blood supply in the stomach

10. Fungal infections like candidiasis and phycomycotic

11. Autoimmune diseases

12. Peptic ulcer

13. Portal hypertension

14. Prolonged bedridden situations.

What are the symptoms of antral gastritis?

The onset of antral gastritis is evident through several recurrent and noticeable symptoms, including:

1. Gas: Because of the inflammation, the digestion process gets all the more complicated leading all the undigested food particles to pass through the small intestine, causing flatulence. This leads to excess gas production.

2. Indigestion: This is one of the most common symptoms as the normal digestion process gets hindered.

3. Discomfort: Heavy gas deposition causes discomfort and pain after eating.

4. Nausea: Lack of proper digestion procedure leads to nausea, causing mild to severe vomiting after eating.

5. Stool changes: Because of stomach bleeding the colour of stool changes. If this happens, a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Antral gastritis treatment

Antral gastritis cure lies in proper diagnosis, medication, restricted diet, and regular exercise. Mild antral gastritis can be cured by using the following:

1. Consuming coconut water

2. Consuming fresh ginger on an empty stomach

3. Using hot water fomentation during discomfort

4. Consuming carom seeds

5. Consuming more probiotics like curd, buttermilk, etc.

6. Enhanced fluid intake in the form of fresh homemade juice, etc.

Conclusion

Antral gastritis may lead to stomach bleeding, gut inflammation, anemia, deficiency in zinc, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Vitamin C, formation of holes in the stomach, reduced acid production in the stomach, etc. To ease the situation, you must consume more fresh beans, fruits, and vegetables, drink non-caffeinated and non-carbonated water, consume low-fat foods like fish, lean meat, anti-inflammatory foods like berries, spinach, almonds, walnuts, curd, buttermilk, turmeric, ginger, and garlic. However, you must take professional guidance if you are facing any of these issues for a considerable time.

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