If you have been experiencing recurring stomach discomfort, bloating, or unexplained nausea, you might wonder whether you have antral gastritis. Or you may have come across the term and pondered, “What is antral gastritis?” If the term sounds complex, let us simplify it for you!
Antral gastritis refers to the inflammation in the lower part of your stomach’s lining. It can cause pesky problems like tummy aches and bloating, making you feel queasy. But the good news is that you can manage antral gastritis with simple changes in your lifestyle and diet coupled with medicines. Stick around to learn more about this stomach ailment and how to tackle it head-on!
Meaning of Antral Gastritis
The meaning of antral gastritis is inflammation in the antrum, the lining of the lower stomach. This condition often results from poor lifestyle choices, unhealthy diet, high-stress levels, or certain medications. It is essential to avoid these triggers to prevent antral gastritis. Familiarising yourself with its symptoms and treatment can aid in managing the condition for you and your loved ones. Prioritising your well-being includes choosing appropriate health insurance coverage, should you ever need to take medical treatment for such a condition.
Types of antral gastritis
One can classify antral gastritis primarily as:
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Erosive antral gastritis:
Erosive antral gastritis refers to inflammation primarily affecting the antrum. This condition involves erosion or damage to the stomach lining, often caused by excessive gastric acid production, infections, or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., NSAIDs). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes bleeding.
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Non-erosive antral gastritis
Non-erosive antral gastritis is inflammation of the antrum without significant stomach lining erosion. It can result from infections, autoimmune reactions, or other underlying issues. Symptoms might include abdominal discomfort, bloating and indigestion.
Causes of Erosive Antral Gastritis
Erosive antral gastritis is caused by damage to the stomach lining. This could be due to:
- Consumption of alcohol that irritates and damages the intestine and stomach
- Long-term use of medicines like aspirin that is known to reduce stomach mucus
- Physical stress caused by surgery or trauma that leads to over overproduction of stomach acid.
- Certain bacterial infections
- Eating spicy or acid-causing food items that corrode the stomach lining
Is Erosive Antral Gastritis Curable?
Yes, erosive antral gastritis can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. A timely intervention is the key to improving the condition and curing the underlying causes.
Symptoms of Antral Gastritis
These are some common symptoms of antral gastritis:
- Burning sensation in the stomach
- Bloating and nausea
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting with traces of blood in extreme cases
- Black stools that may indicate internal bleeding
- Indigestion and heartburn
Treatment of Antral Gastritis
Medications, changes in lifestyle, and surgery are the primary ways of dealing with antral gastritis.
- Medications such as antacids, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors or PPIs aid in reducing acidity.
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking and following a stress-reducing routine along with light workouts also help in managing the symptoms.
- For extreme cases where ulcers have developed, surgery is advisable.
Home Remedies for Antral Gastritis
Certain foods that can help relieve symptoms of antral gastritis are:
- Herbal teas, such as ginger and turmeric tea, soothe the stomach.
- Aloe vera juice is an ancient and powerful healing drink with anti-inflammatory qualities.
- Honey, which has antibacterial propertie,s is also a good option for soothing stomach aches.
Diet During Antral Gastritis
One should focus on having a light and balanced meal that supports recovery while being easy to digest.
Food To Have
- Include rice and bread for carbohydrates that provide essential energy.
- Bananas and melons that are non-acidic in nature are also a good option.
- Add spinach, broccoli, and carrots for a rich fibre intake. It cleanses the gut.
- Chicken and fish can be included as sources of lean proteins.
Food to Avoid
- Say no to spicy and fried food
- Tomatoes and citrus fruits such as oranges can irritate the stomach
- Avoid caffeine, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks
- Alcohol and packaged snacks should also be avoided
FAQs
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Can stress cause antral gastritis?
Yes, prolonged and chronic stress can cause overproduction of stomach acid, which is the main reason for antral gastritis.
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How to diagnose antral gastritis?
Endoscopy, stool test, blood test, and breath test that detect H. pylori are ways to diagnose antral gastritis.
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Are ulcers and antral gastritis the same?
No, gastritis is caused by inflammation, while ulcers are open sores in the stomach lining.
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How long does antral gastritis take to heal?
Medications and a shift to a healthier lifestyle can heal mild cases in a few weeks. However, severe conditions may require a longer time, and sometimes need surgery to heal completely.
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Can antral gastritis lead to cancer?
Prolonged or chronic gastritis (especially caused by H. pylori), if not treated properly, can increase the risk of gastric cancer.
Conclusion
Antral gastritis is all about the lower part of the stomach getting inflamed. One may suffer from stomach lining damage or only inflammation of the antrum. Changing your lifestyle, diet, and certain medicines can help you deal with it. Though usually mild and curable, it can be a reason to worry if left unchecked. Having critical illness insurance can safeguard you from any sudden complications. Knowing about antral gastritis can help you take the necessary precautionary measures. Always consult your doctor to know what’s best for you.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult a medical or nutrition professional before making any significant changes in your daily diet. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any impact or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.