Top 8 Symptoms of Gastric Antrum Inflammation

Gastric antrum inflammation is generally not life-threatening and can be completely treated if diagnosed and managed properly. However, in cases of neglect or improper treatment, the inflammation may spread, worsen, and lead to severe complications such as:

Stomach Ulcers: Without proper dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and regular medication, the stomach may continuously secrete acid, leading to ulceration and swelling of the lining. At this stage, the symptoms become more frequent and intense than during the inflammation phase.

Gastric Bleeding: This occurs when the gastric lining is severely ulcerated, causing blood vessels to rupture and bleed. If not detected and treated in time, this condition can lead to shock, low blood pressure, and even death. If you notice blood in vomit, coffee-ground-like vomit, or bloody stools, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Pyloric Stenosis: The antrum is located near the pylorus, the area where the stomach connects to the duodenum. Chronic inflammation may damage the pyloric lining and form scar tissue, which narrows the pylorus and makes it difficult for food to pass from the stomach to the small intestine. Symptoms of this complication include severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and foul-smelling vomit.

Increased Risk of Cancer: Prolonged gastric antrum inflammation, especially in individuals with Helicobacter pylori infection, increases the risk of gastric mucosal dysplasia and malignant transformation (cancer).

Impact on Quality of Life: Additionally, the symptoms of gastric antrum inflammation can affect eating habits, reduce productivity, disrupt sleep, and cause fatigue and weakness.

To identify the signs of the condition, patients should visit a medical facility where doctors will perform tests to determine the severity of the illness. The doctor may conduct the following tests:

• Endoscopy: This procedure helps locate the inflamed or ulcerated areas of the antrum and detects potential complications. A flexible tube is inserted down the throat into the stomach and esophagus.
• Biopsy: This method is used to identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) bacteria and assess whether cells have become cancerous.
• HP Bacteria Test: In addition to a biopsy, doctors can identify HP bacteria through a breath test, stool test, or blood test.
• X-ray: If the doctor suspects an ulcer in the stomach lining, an X-ray may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
• Breath Test (HP Bubble Test): Patients drink a solution containing Urea labeled with C13 or C14 isotopes, which helps detect HP bacteria in the stomach.

Additionally, patients should inform the doctor of any symptoms, previous stomach conditions, and medications they are currently taking to ensure appropriate treatment plans are devised.

According to nutrition experts, a well-balanced diet plays a key role in improving the condition of the gastric antrum, alleviating symptoms, and supporting effective treatment. Foods that should be added to the diet include:

• Plenty of greens like amaranth, broccoli, cabbage, etc.
• Starch-rich foods such as bread, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
• Protein-rich foods: It’s important to consume moderate amounts of protein to avoid bloating and indigestion.
• Healthy fats: Include sources of healthy fats like Omega-3, Omega-6, and Vitamin E.
• Antioxidant-rich foods: Citrus fruits, carrots, sweet potatoes, turmeric, strawberries, aloe vera, etc.

Additionally, foods to limit include:

• Fried and spicy foods
• Foods high in acid
• Foods with high allergic potential
• Avoid alcohol, stimulants, and excessive caffeine
• Limit foods that are hard to digest or cause bloating

It is also important not to rely on just one type of food and to maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Always eat cooked food, drink boiled water, and opt for smaller, frequent meals throughout the day.

After the diagnosis results, the doctor will evaluate the severity of the symptoms and the stage of the disease to recommend appropriate treatment. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, eradicate the HP bacteria, and prevent dangerous complications.

Treating Simple Gastric Antrum Inflammation
The treatment for simple gastric antrum inflammation mainly involves the use of medications that neutralize acid, suppress gastric acid secretion, and protect the stomach lining. These medications help improve symptoms, heal the inflamed areas, and prevent the condition from progressing to an ulcer.

Medications used in the treatment of gastric antrum inflammation include:

• Stomach lining protectants
• Antacids
• H2 receptor antagonists
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Treating Gastric Antrum Inflammation with HP Bacteria
For those diagnosed with HP bacteria, doctors will perform a culture test and provide a specific treatment regimen, usually lasting for 14 days. The preferred 3-drug therapy is prescribed twice daily.
Basic 3-drug regimen:

• Proton pump inhibitor + Clarithromycin 50mg + Amoxicillin 1g

If the patient has recently used Clarithromycin, the regimen will be adjusted to:

• Proton pump inhibitor + Amoxicillin 1g + Metronidazole 500mg
• Or Proton pump inhibitor + Amoxicillin 1g + Levofloxacin 250mg

In addition to medication, home remedies can help relieve symptoms of gastric antrum inflammation:

• Ginger honey tea: Warm ginger honey tea can help soothe throat discomfort, alleviate nausea, and vomiting. Ginger and honey also possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Warm turmeric milk: If vomiting occurs frequently after meals, try reducing food intake and drinking a cup of warm turmeric milk. Turmeric milk not only provides nutrition but also helps reduce inflammation and promote healing of the stomach lining.

The best way to prevent gastric antrum inflammation is by understanding the causes of stomach pain and taking measures to avoid the risk factors.

Maintain a healthy eating routine:

• Consume easily digestible foods like soups, porridge, leafy greens, and whole grain cereals.
• Avoid foods that are high in fats, spicy, sour, or fermented, as well as frozen meals.
• Stay away from alcoholic beverages such as beer and spirits, carbonated drinks, and stimulants like cigarettes and coffee.
• Follow a regular eating schedule, preferably 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day, avoiding overeating.
• Drink at least 2 liters of water per day to support healthy digestion.

Adjust your eating and resting habits:

• Avoid lying down right after meals.
• Refrain from exercising or engaging in physical activity immediately after eating.
• Avoid multitasking during meals such as eating while lying down, working, or watching TV.
• Minimize late-night eating.
• Limit the use of pain-relieving antibiotics.
• Engage in regular physical activity 1-2 hours after meals to boost overall health.

The antrum is a crucial part of the stomach. However, this area is highly vulnerable to damage from bacterial infection and poor dietary habits. As a result, many individuals suffer from this condition, with middle-aged and elderly people being more prone to it. Alarmingly, the incidence of gastric antrum inflammation is also rising among young children. Gastric antrum inflammation occurs when this region of the stomach becomes inflamed, ulcerated, and damaged.

If gastric antrum inflammation is left untreated over time, it can worsen and lead to serious complications, such as stomach cancer. Therefore, regardless of your age, it is crucial to pay close attention to your health. If you experience persistent or severe stomach pain, it's essential to consult a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Gastric antrum inflammation is a serious condition that can have multiple causes. Understanding the root causes of this disease makes treatment easier and more effective. Some of the main causes include:

Infection by Helicobacter pylori (HP) bacteria
The most common cause of gastric antrum inflammation is infection by Helicobacter pylori, commonly known as HP. This bacteria is responsible not only for gastric antrum inflammation but also for other serious stomach conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, and even stomach cancer.

Long-term use of pharmaceuticals
While pharmaceutical drugs are effective at treating various conditions, they can also cause side effects, particularly in the stomach. Prolonged use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications can lead to significant damage to the stomach, including gastric antrum inflammation.

Poor dietary and lifestyle habits
Unhealthy eating habits and irregular lifestyle choices can also contribute to gastric antrum inflammation. Consuming fast food, greasy or spicy foods frequently, and drinking stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, or soda can severely damage the stomach lining. Additionally, lack of proper rest, irregular sleep patterns, and constant stress can weaken the stomach's defense mechanisms, leading to inflammation and ulcers.

The symptoms of gastric antrum inflammation are often confused with other digestive system issues, especially general stomach pain. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if any of the symptoms are present. Typical signs of gastric antrum inflammation include:

• Dull, persistent pain in the upper stomach that lasts from minutes to hours and occurs in cycles, sometimes accompanied by sharp cramping
• Nausea and vomiting, particularly after eating
• Frequent belching and acid reflux due to undigested food
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, and sudden weight loss
• Changes in stool color, such as dark or black stools
• If left untreated, the pain may worsen and become more frequent
• The pain is most commonly felt in the evening or after meals