Antral gastritis is localized in the lowest part of the stomach, which passes into the duodenum. In this department, the hormone “gastrin” is produced, which powerfully stimulates acids. It is referred to as hypersecretory gastritis, as there is an increase in acidity. Antral gastritis is a chronic superficial inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Until recently, it was believed that antral gastritis affects those who neglect a balanced diet, abuse alcohol, and nicotine addiction, do not control caffeine intake and are also fond of spicy and sour spices and seasonings. But recently, medicine has proven that the main causative agent of antral gastritis is the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
Their penetration into the mucous membrane leads to the development of inflammatory processes, increased secretion, and acidity in the stomach. Simply put, the acid-base balance of the antrum is disturbed. Mucus loses the viscosity needed for food processing. The work of the glands is disrupted, so the person feels heartburn and heaviness.
We hasten to remind you that at the first symptoms of gastritis, it is necessary to urgently consult a specialist, otherwise, the disease can acquire a degenerative-dystrophic form, which can cause scarring on the mucous membrane. This leads to the next, more serious stage – the difficulty of moving food into the intestines.
Types of antral gastritis
1. Chronic Gastritis
These are recurrent, long-term diseases with inflammatory and degenerative changes in the gastric mucosa. The primary lesion is considered an independent disease, while the second one has an infectious, non-infectious disease, or intoxication.
Most often, the diagnosis of “chronic gastritis” is asymptomatic and manifests itself during an exacerbation.
2. Erosive Gastritis
It is the appearance of erosions on the gastric mucosa due to a violation of protection. That is, acids themselves destroy the inner surface of the digestive organ. The manifestation may be acute, or may not be expressed by symptoms. To establish the diagnosis, endoscopy is prescribed.
3. Superficial Gastritis
This is gastritis, which is mild. In general, the stomach does its job properly, but there is a lesion of the upper layer of the inner shell. A person may not guess, but the disease will develop, so there is no time to waste. With superficial gastritis, heartburn, arching pain, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, weakness, and heaviness are periodically experienced. The tongue can also give out, which in case of illness takes on a white or gray coating. Think about it, only 15% of people seek help on time because they ignore minor symptoms.
4. Focal Gastritis
This is a local inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The foci are usually different in shape and size. They can also be acute or chronic. The chronic phase, unlike the acute phase, can lead to atrophy of the gastric glands. In this case, it is important to start treatment promptly.
Causes of antral gastritis
Antrum gastritis is caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Rarely, the disease is caused by the activity of other microorganisms or a fungus. Antrum-gastritis develops under the influence of external and internal factors.
During the normal functioning of the stomach, special enzymes and mucus are secreted in the antrum of the gland. These substances reduce the level of hydrochloric acid in the food bolus. When the pH balance shifts towards an alkaline environment, it helps to transport food to the duodenum.
As a result of the vital activity of Helicobacter pylori microorganisms, urea is converted into ammonia, which disrupts the acid-base balance of the antrum.
Mucus loses the viscosity needed for food processing. The work of the glands is disrupted.
Helicobacter pylori are transmitted through the household. Most people have it. With strong immunity, it does not cause concern, but if it is weakened, then the bacterium can cause inflammation of the antrum.
Inflammation of the mucosa also occurs in combination with other factors: violation of the diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, long-term therapy with hormonal drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, exposure of chemical compounds to the mucosa, radiation, parasitic, and viral infections. Psychological overstrain, and physiological characteristics also lead to antrum-gastritis.
Therefore, it is very important to take care of the body from all sides and consult a doctor promptly.
Symptoms of antral gastritis
The clinical picture is visible in the acute form of the disease. There are local, local signs (related specifically to the stomach) and general.
Local features include:
- Gastric dyspepsia – spasmodic pain and a feeling of “burning” in the epigastrium, belching, nausea, heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, and lack of appetite.
- Intestinal dyspepsia – unstable stool: constipation or relaxation, rumbling, bloating. Before eating or after a painful attack 1-3 hours.
General signs:
- Weakness,
- Irritability,
- Arrhythmia,
- Hypertension,
- Cardialgia,
- Heaviness under the left rib,
- Fever, chills,
- Weakness in the background of intoxication, etc.
Often the acute phase is confused with poisoning, but unlike the second, gastritis will linger for a longer time. That is why it is so important to consult a specialist for any symptoms, and not prescribe self-medication.
Diagnosis of the disease
If any of the above signs are found, it is necessary to hurry up for an appointment with a gastroenterologist.
The specialist will assess the condition based on your complaints and make a preliminary diagnosis. After that, an examination is prescribed to identify the cause and degree of antrum-gastritis.
It includes several stages:
- Gastroscopy (swallowing a light bulb) is performed using an endoscope
- Biopsy. During a gastroscopy, a tissue sample is taken for examination.
- Ultrasound of the digestive organs
- Breath test to detect helicobacteriosis
- Analysis of blood, urine, feces
- Determination of pH balance
- Evaluation of the motor-evacuation function of the gastrointestinal tract
- Study of upper GI motility
It is important not to ignore and observe each of these points to make a correct diagnosis. After all, high-quality treatment of envy depends on the correct diagnosis.
Complications
Antral gastritis can turn into a chronic form, which will be problematic to get rid of. There are also other negative consequences of the disease: gastric bleeding spread to other nearby organs, ulcers, polyps, and malignant neoplasms.
All these are dangerous consequences of a neglectful attitude towards your body. They can occur with self-medication, no treatment, and non-compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician. Do not allow this and contact the specialists at the first signals.
Treatment of antral gastritis of the stomach
The pyloric part of the stomach includes the antrum. And it is in this area that erosive lesions of the mucosa often appear. Treatment depends on the form of acute or chronic. It contains a whole range of measures aimed at improving the human condition, relieving discomfort, and, of course, healing the stomach. Also, a direct task is the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, the patient is obliged not only to comply with the doctor’s prescription, take medications, and adhere to a strict diet, but also to observe the regime of work and rest, and also not succumb to stress. All this plays an important role in recovery.
As mentioned earlier, the patient needs to undergo complex treatment, which will be directed to all pathogens. In this way, we will achieve a successful recovery.
The complex procedures include: taking medications, a strict diet, physiotherapy, folk remedies (for maintenance) according to indications, and surgery.
In the acute form, the symptoms make themselves feel quite pronounced. The patient’s condition is rapidly deteriorating. With severe erosion, there may be bleeding, and this necessarily requires inpatient treatment under the supervision of doctors. After the removal of acute symptoms, treatment can be continued at home.
If you follow the recommendations of doctors, then erosion on the gastric mucosa can drag on for 1.5-2 weeks (an advanced form with bleeding is treated longer).
During the period of remission, it is necessary to maintain health with proper nutrition (the diet should be balanced in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and food should not irritate the mucous membrane) and folk remedies. This is the road to quality restoration and maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract.
Medical treatment
Often, antral gastritis is treated with antibiotics to get rid of one of the main pathogens – Helicobacter pylori infection. Further, rehabilitation of the mucosa in the form of regulators of the acidity of gastric juice is necessary. Patients have been prescribed drugs that alleviate the condition and relieve pain and discomfort. And now in order:
1. Antibacterial drugs
Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole (Trichopolum), Tetracycline
As a rule, they are prescribed for 10-14 days. Along with this, to combat Helicobacter bacteria, it is advised to reduce tobacco consumption for an accurate analysis result.
2. Antacids
Phosphalugel, Rutacid, Almagel Neo, Rennie, Gastal, Maalox, etc.
Their main task is to neutralize the acid of the gastric juice. Once in the body, they envelop the stomach and relieve pain. However, these remedies are not intended for long-term treatment, but only for relieving symptoms, since after the action has ceased, the acid returns. Constipation can be a side effect.
3. Proton pump inhibitors – PPIs
Omeprazole, Emanera, Nexium, Gastrozol, Ortanol, Nolpaza, Controloc, Sanpraz
They have a long-term effect than antacids, although they do not give instant action. They slow down the release of acid and give healing to the affected tissues. It is advisable to take calcium supplements since PPIs reduce their functioning in the body.
The dosage and duration of the course of each drug are prescribed strictly by a gastroenterologist. Self-appointment is not allowed.
Folk remedies
Although traditional medicine cannot replace a full-fledged therapy, it cannot be ruled out as an adjuvant. Home remedies do a good job of relieving pain, and reducing inflammation, and can also prevent the recurrence of the disease. It is worth noting that even these methods are strongly recommended to be used strictly under the supervision of a doctor.
These simple recipes will help support the health of the digestive tract. But do not forget that traditional medicine is good in moderation and under the strict supervision of a specialist.
1. Water
Let’s start with the simplest and most important – the source of life. Every day you need to drink enough water (6-8 glasses) for the normal functioning of the digestive system.
2. Sea buckthorn oil
Drink on an empty stomach 1 tablespoon three times a day.
3. Flax seeds
Flax grains are oily, so the decoction is viscous and thick, almost like jelly. It envelops the walls of the stomach, reduces inflammation, and relieves spasms and pain. Raw grains cannot be eaten, they are coarse and, on the contrary, can irritate the stomach.
See Also: What Are Acute Gastritis?
1-2 teaspoons of flax pour 200 ml of boiling water and insist for 20-30 minutes. Strain and take 30 minutes before meals for ¼ cup.
4. Vitamin E
A sufficient amount of vitamin E reduces inflammation of the upper surface of the organ.
5. Potato juice
1.5 hours before meals to reduce acidity, you need to drink 1 glass of young potato juice.
6. Medicinal herbs
Licorice root reduces acidity and relieves inflammation and pain. Pour a tablespoon of licorice roots with 1 cup of boiling water, cook in a water bath for 30 minutes from the moment of boiling, and let it brew. Strain. Bring boiling water to a volume of 1 cup. Take 1 tablespoon 5 times a day.
Mint, plantain, and chamomile soothe, anesthetize, and relieve inflammation. For 10 gr. leaves pour 200 gr. boiling water, insist. Drink 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
Forecast
If you get rid of acute gastritis quickly and almost without a trace, then things are a little more complicated with chronic gastritis. A person with a chronic form must radically reconsider his life, the consumption of junk food, alcohol, and smoking.
In general, medicine states that if the stomach has been damaged at least once, then it will not fully recover. Many people claim that once treated, the problem has never returned.
To achieve maximum recovery, you need to create ideal conditions. Eliminate the above alcohol, smoking, junk food, and stress. It is important in this process features of the body (immunity, age).
Prevention
Today, each of us is prone to gastritis. Therefore, prevention should be observed even for those who have never encountered the disease. It is worth remembering the following rules:
- Lead a healthy lifestyle. Follow the diet, and eat quality food.
- People prone to gastritis should follow a sparing diet (no soda, alcohol, spices, fried foods, etc.), and eat fractionally.
- Quit smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating junk food.
- Take medicines only as prescribed by your doctor.
- Think positively and avoid stress.
- Patients with chronic gastritis twice a year (during periods of exacerbations) must undergo anti-relapse therapy under medical supervision.
Conclusion
Now you know almost everything about antral gastritis and understand what to do if you get sick, you have the first symptoms, or you just want to protect yourself and prevent the onset of the disease. Do not forget that a person must be well-equipped both externally and internally. Watch your body and listen to it. We wish you good health.
