What Are the Symptoms of Antral Gastritis?
Aug 26, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Symptoms of antral gastritis typically include difficulty digesting food and a sensation of abdominal bloating. Gas rising from the stomach may be expelled with audible belching. Abdominal pain may also occur, usually located between the xiphoid process (just below the sternum) and the umbilicus, and often recurs. Prolonged loss of appetite combined with increased metabolic demand can lead to weight loss. Chronic, low-grade bleeding from the gastric mucosa may result in anemia.
Common symptoms of antral gastritis include abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and anemia.
1. Abdominal Distension
This primarily manifests as difficulty digesting food in the stomach, accompanied by a sensation of bloating or gas accumulation in the abdomen.
2. Belching
Gas rising from the stomach produces an audible sound upon expulsion through the pharynx—characterized by a prolonged, slow noise, commonly known as “burping” or “eructation.”
3. Acid Reflux
Patients typically experience a sensation of gastric acid rising up from the stomach or even spilling into the esophagus. Some may also feel intense irritation in the throat.
4. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is usually mild rather than severe, presenting predominantly as dull, oppressive, or pressure-like discomfort. The pain is generally localized between the xiphoid process (lower sternum) and the umbilicus; there is often no clearly defined tender point. It tends to recur intermittently but may also persist chronically.
5. Loss of Appetite
Following disease onset, patients commonly develop prolonged anorexia, leading to increased catabolism and consequent weight loss.
6. Anemia
If left untreated, chronic minor bleeding from the gastric mucosa may develop, resulting in anemia. Clinical signs include pallor of the lips, nail beds, and facial skin.
