Antral Gastritis – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Antral gastritis is a medical condition referring to the inflammation of the stomach lining in the stomach's antral region. This could be a result of injury or irritants within the lining. The lower part of the stomach is referred to as the antrum in medical terms. Antral gastritis is a common condition caused by a variety of reasons and can be dealt with in multiple ways as well. However, if general treatment does not lead to positive results, it could lead to serious issues. To deal with the financial consequences of any major health issues, one should have a well-equipped mediclaim policy. It helps one be prepared when an unexpected, unplanned medical issue comes knocking.* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy. While having a health insurance plan can be beneficial, being well-aware of health issues from the start and taking a preventive approach works well, too. Let’s understand the meaning, symptoms, causes and treatment for antral gastritis.

Understanding Antral Gastritis and its Types

The stomach’s interior is coated with mucosa, a mucus-secreting protective layer. This lining protects the stomach from the stomach's corrosive acid, which fastens up the digestion process by dissolving food. Gastritis occurs when something strengthens or weakens the mucosa. One of the bacteria commonly known to cause antral gastritis is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Even though the primary symptom of antral gastritis is inflammation or a burning sensation within the stomach, other symptoms may also occur:

1. Bloating or feeling full when eating or after eating a meal
2. Losing one’s appetite
3. Ulcers in the stomach
4. Feeling pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
5. Nausea

Types of Antral Gastritis 

Usually, there are two types of gastritis -

1. Erosive or reactive - Here, the gastritis produces inflammation as well as erosion of the stomach lining. Some reasons this may occur are smoking, alcohol, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, viral or bacterial infections, or stress from diseases or traumas.
2. Non-erosive - In this type of gastritis, there is inflammation of the stomach lining without any erosion or damage.

What are the Causes of Antral Gastritis?

Some common causes of antral gastritis include:

Chronic alcohol consumption

Regular alcohol intake can lead to irritation and damage to the stomach lining, leading to antral gastritis.

Autoimmune illnesses

Autoimmune disorders can mean that the immune system starts attacking healthy cells in the stomach lining, which can lead to gastritis.

pylori bacteria

As mentioned earlier, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria are a prevalent cause of frequent gastritis and stomach ulcers. These bacteria break down the protective coating of the stomach, leading to inflammation.

Bile reflux

Bile reflux occurs when the digestive liquid from the liver flows back into the stomach and sometimes the oesophagus. This can also lead to gastritis.

Treatment and Preventive Measures for Antral Gastritis 

Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor may usually recommend the following courses of treatment:

1. Use of antacids and other acid-lowering medications to decrease stomach acid levels.
2. Dietary modifications, such as avoiding spicy and hot foods, as well as eliminating certain irritation-causing foods like lactose (milk products) or gluten (wheat products) from the diet.
3. Combining antibiotics with acid-blocking medications to address the type of gastritis caused by H. pylori infection.
4. Receiving B12 vitamin shots, especially if the gastritis is linked to pernicious anaemia, which can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12.

Additionally, some preventive measures can also be undertaken to reduce antral gastritis. One can make better dietary choices and avoid greasy, fried, spicy, or acidic foods. One can also reduce caffeine consumption, have smaller meals, have better stress management methods, limit alcohol intake, and have better post-meal practices. These practices can help you have a better health and fitness levels overall. If antral gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, like anaemia, pernicious anaemia, and even stomach cancer. One must prepare for such health complications by having a mediclaim policy in place. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy. Let’s learn more about it.

Why It Is Crucial to Have a Mediclaim Policy 

Prevention is better than the cure. Now, you may have learned about the preventive measures for antral gastritis. However, what about being financially prepared for medical emergencies resulting from antral gastritis and other health conditions? This is where a strong mediclaim policy comes into view. When you buy and renew health insurance on time, it provides financial support during multiple situations related to medical care. Most mediclaim plans cover pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation while providing coverage during hospitalisation.* Many health insurance plans also cover day-care procedures, road ambulance charges, bariatric surgery cover, preventive health check-ups, and wellness benefits, among other advantages. All of these are subject to terms and conditions specified in the policy wordings. You can use a health insurance calculator to get an estimate of the premium of the plan.* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy.   *Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.