Antral ulcers are chronic and open sores that develop on the lining of the lower stomach. It is due to damage in the inner lining of the lowest area of the stomach called the antrum.
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Generally, the human stomach is filled with acid for digestion. The acid cannot damage the inner lining of the stomach due to the presence of a mucous membrane, but sometimes the amount of acid increases and cause damage to the antrum and result to the development of antral ulcers. Furthermore, the helicobacter pylori bacteria can form colonies in the mucus layer and damage the inner linning and cause this condition.
Common symptoms
- At first, developing an upset stomach such as nausea, vomiting and belching
- Burning or gnawing pain can be felt in the stomach especially within the area of the navel and breastbone. Pain becomes severe with an empty stomach.
- In advanced stages, there are bloody stools and vomiting with presence of blood.
- A bleeding ulcer causes dizziness or weakness
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness or weakness
- In addition, continuous or intermittent pain in the stomach
- Lastly, pain in the stomach continuously or intermittently for several weeks or months.
Causes of antral ulcers
- Helicobacter pylori bacteria causes inflammation in the antrum
- Prolonged use of pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen
- Excessive acid secretion in certain hereditary disorders
- Prolonged use of steroid medications
- Psychological stress
- Excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee
- Cigarette smoking
Treatment
- Take the prescribed antibiotics to lessen the symptoms of the condition based on the causative agent.
- Use the prescribed acid inhibitors or proton pump inhibitors and histamine blockers to lessen the amount of stomach acid released in the digestive system.
- Take the prescribed antacids to lessen the strength of the acid present in the stomach and provide relief from the symptoms of the antral ulcers.
- When the symptoms become severe, take the prescribed medication such as sucralfate and misoprostol to protect the inner lining of the affected area of the stomach.
Tips
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and use tobacco in any form.
- Avoid unhealthy drinks and fast foods
- Do not reach the point of starvation for a long time
- Drink plenty of liquids especially water
- Avoid late night snacking
- Consume a healthy diet such as eating a variety of leafy vegetables and fruits and avoid oily and spicy foods
- Eat probiotics such as yogurt and cheese to control the levels of acid in the digestive system. These probiotics suppress the H. pylori bacteria and promote fast healing of the condition.
- Take plenty of sleep and avoid being stressed
- Lastly, perform regular exercises every day to lessen development of antral ulcers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/antrum
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peptic-ulcer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354223
https://www.epainassist.com/abdominal-pain/stomach/what-is-antral-ulcer-and-how-is-it-treated