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What is Antral Gastritis?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Antral gastritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. It causes a wide range of general symptoms, such as indigestion, gas, and nausea. It is more common in older adults, but anyone may be diagnosed with the condition. It is generally caused by a buildup of bacteria in the stomach, but it may also be caused by a viral infection, an injury to the stomach, extreme stress, or even some medications.

The symptoms of antral gastritis typically begin with inflammation in the lower part of the stomach called the antrum. This is the part of the stomach that releases stomach contents into the intestines. When the antrum of the stomach becomes inflamed, the affected individual may experience indigestion, nausea, and gas, among other general stomach discomforts.

Antral gastritis generally affects older adults.
Antral gastritis generally affects older adults.

The main symptom for this type of gastritis is indigestion. The inflammation of the stomach associated with the disorder affects digestion and the way that the contents of the stomach are emptied into the body’s intestines. When inflammation occurs, it can create a burning feeling in the stomach, or indigestion, due to the food not being properly digested.

Antral gastritis may occur as a result of a stomach injury.
Antral gastritis may occur as a result of a stomach injury.

Many affected individuals experience nausea as well. When the stomach lining becomes inflamed, a person usually becomes nauseous, even if there is not any food in his or her stomach. The nausea can be quite severe and may actually include small amounts of blood, if the condition is left untreated.

It is not unusual for a person affected by this condition to experience gas or even changes in his or her stool. Since the food in the stomach is not digested properly, it can cause a buildup of gases. The gases can cause flatulence, bloating, and general discomfort. It is possible for the stool to become dark and tar-like as well.

Antral gastritis may occur as a side effect of certain medications.
Antral gastritis may occur as a side effect of certain medications.

In order to determine the proper course of treatment from antral gastritis, it is important for a medical doctor to understand what is causing the problem. For example, if gastritis is caused by a bacterial infection, a medical doctor may treat the infection with antibiotics to prevent a recurrence of the disease. She may also prescribe antacids to reduce the symptoms until the bacteria are no longer causing inflammation.

Stress may lead to the development of antral gastritis.
Stress may lead to the development of antral gastritis.

Interestingly, many people do not realize that they are affected by antral gastritis until the condition becomes more severe. In most cases, people take over-the-counter antacids to reduce the symptoms. When they begin to have severe indigestion, gas, nausea, or dark, bloody stools, a doctor may become involved in the treatment of the disease. In addition, affected individuals may also be diagnosed when they have an endoscopic procedure for another health issue.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to TheHealthBoard.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to TheHealthBoard.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon993572

I have suffered from antral gastritis for 15 years. Please advise me for my right treatment for a fast recovery.

anon993076

I have suffered from antral gastritis for 15 years. Please advise me for my right treatment for a fast recovery.

anon990389

Thanks. My problems fit your article in a number of ways.

anon955253

My dad is facing the same problem and had heart attack symptoms. Please guide about what food and diet should be prescribed.

anon149618

i am one among those people who is having this problem. the explanation is true and exactly related to my condition. i think it will be better to describe something more about the diet and cure.

anon145370

I had a biopsy for Erosive Antral Gastritis. What is this?

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    • Antral gastritis generally affects older adults.
      By: rainbow33
      Antral gastritis generally affects older adults.
    • Antral gastritis may occur as a result of a stomach injury.
      By: oracul
      Antral gastritis may occur as a result of a stomach injury.
    • Antral gastritis may occur as a side effect of certain medications.
      By: Gang
      Antral gastritis may occur as a side effect of certain medications.
    • Stress may lead to the development of antral gastritis.
      By: Jasminko Ibrakovic
      Stress may lead to the development of antral gastritis.
    • An illustration of a human stomach. In someone with antral gastritis, the lower part of the stomach becomes inflamed.
      By: pixologic
      An illustration of a human stomach. In someone with antral gastritis, the lower part of the stomach becomes inflamed.
    • Antral gastritis can cause indigestion, gas, and nausea.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Antral gastritis can cause indigestion, gas, and nausea.
    • When inflammation occurs, it can create a burning sensation in the stomach.
      By: ancroft
      When inflammation occurs, it can create a burning sensation in the stomach.
    • Antral gastritis is generally caused by a buildup of bacteria in the stomach.
      By: bruno135_406
      Antral gastritis is generally caused by a buildup of bacteria in the stomach.