Fact Checked
An antral ulcer is an open wound inside the lining of the lower stomach. Generally, the mucous membrane of the stomach weakens and becomes thin. The membrane functions in protecting the tissues in the lining of the stomach from harsh digestive juices. In addition, the acidity of these juices is at a normal level. If the level increases due to presence of bacteria or other substances, it thins out the lining or damaged.
Further damage to the area caused by inflammation can result to development of an open ulcer, which is a dangerous condition.
Complications
- Creates a perforation in the stomach and worsen the condition.
- The ulcer can result to obstructions as it increases in size, inflamed and swelling. It causes blocking the passage way of food in the digestive tract.
- Bleeding can happen in advanced stage and result to anemia and vomiting with presence of blood.
Symptoms of antral ulcer
- At first, upset stomach such as nausea, vomiting and belching
- Burning or gnawing pain in the stomach within the area of the naval and breastbone. Pain becomes severe when the stomach is empty.
- Bloody stools, and presence of blood when vomiting
- Mild to severe pain
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Lastly, night pain
Causes
- Helicobacter pylori or H.pylori – this bacteria lives in the mucous layer of the stomach and does not damage the mucous layer. Sometimes it can cause inflammation in the antrum and form an ulcer.
- Excessive use of pain medications such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen.
- Excessive production of acid in condition such as gastrinomas and tumors.
Treatment
- Prescribed antibiotics to lessen bacteria due to H. pylori infections and stop the growth of the ulcer sore.
- Prescribed proton pump inhibitors also called acid inhibitors to lessen acidity of the stomach.
- Over-the-counter antacids to temporarily relieve of the symptoms and lessen the strength of the acid. It also neutralizes stomach acids.
- Prescribed medication called cytoprotective agents to prevent further irritation on the tissues lining the stomach and small intestines
- Prescribed medications to lessen the production of acid or called acid blockers. It is also called histamine (H-2) blockers. It lessen the amount of acid released in the digestive tract, lessen the pain and for fast healing of the condition.
Tips
- Stop smoking
- Avoid caffeine and drinking alcohol
- Perform meditations or yoga to lessen the stress
- Increase consumption of bananas in the diet
- Drink plenty of liquid at least 8 glasses of water every day.
- performing exercises regularly
- get plenty of rest and sleep every night
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cook properly foods
- Minimize the use of pain medications.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-ulcers-basic-information#1
https://www.epainassist.com/abdominal-pain/stomach/what-is-antral-ulcer-and-how-is-it-treated