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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is a Duodenal Ulcer?
- What Causes Duodenal Ulcer?
- What are the Symptoms of Duodenal Ulcer?
- How to Diagnose Duodenal Ulcer?
- What are the Complications of Duodenal Ulcer?
- What is the Treatment for Duodenal Ulcer?
What is a Duodenal Ulcer?
A duodenal ulcer is a kind of stomach ulcer that develops in the lining of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach (the duodenum).
These ulcers are caused by stomach acid. When the stomach lining is injured, the underlying tissue is exposed, resulting in an ulcer. An ulcer appears as a small, crimson crater on the inside lining of the gut.
What Causes Duodenal Ulcer?
Acid is produced in the stomach to aid in the digestion of food and to destroy microorganisms (germs). Because this acid is damaging, specific cells in the stomach lining and the first section of the small intestine (the duodenum) generate a natural mucous barrier. This protects the stomach and duodenal linings.
The quantity of acid produced and the mucus defence barrier are generally in equilibrium. If this equilibrium is disrupted, an ulcer can form, allowing acid to harm the stomach or duodenal lining. The following are some of the reasons behind this:
- Bacterial infection: H. pylori bacteria are typically found in the mucous layer that covers and protects the stomach and small intestine tissues. The H. pylori bacteria usually causes no issues, but it can create ulcers by inflammation of the inner layers of the stomach.
- Regular use of NSAIDs: Regular use of Aspirin and other over the counter pain reliever drugs such as ibuprofen can irritate and inflame the linings of the stomach.
- Consumption of alcohol regularly
- Excessive smoking
- Radiation therapy
- Stomach cancer
What are the Symptoms of Duodenal Ulcer?
Characteristic symptom: Burning pain in the abdomen that extends from the navel to the chest.
Other symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Unexplained nausea
- Heartburn
- Fatty food intolerance
- Vomiting blood (which can be red or black)
- Stools with dark blood that are black or tarry
- Trouble Breathing
- Feeling dizzy
- Vomiting or nausea
- Unprecedented weight reduction
- Appetite shifts
- Chest pain
How to Diagnose Duodenal Ulcer?
The tests and procedures include:
- Breath test: H. Pylori is a bacterium that breaks down the contents of the stomach. So, before taking the test, the patient is asked to consume anything containing radioactive carbon. Then the patient blows into a bag that is subsequently sealed. The breath sample will include radioactive carbon in the form of carbon dioxide if there is an H. pylori infection.
- Endoscopy: A thin, flexible, lighted tube is inserted in the mouth to better understand the gastrointestinal tract.
- X-Ray with Barium swallow to coat the gastrointestinal tract and make the ulcer visible.
What are the Complications of Duodenal Ulcer?
Untreated ulcers can worsen over time. It can lead to various complications such as:
- Internal bleeding: Gradual blood loss can lead to anemia. There can be severe blood loss, too, that can require hospitalisation.
- Perforation in the stomach wall: Perforation in the stomach wall can create a risk of peritonitis.
- Scar tissue: Scar tissue is a thick tissue that develops after an injury, and it can make it difficult for food to pass through the digestive tract.
- Gastric cancer: H. Pylori infection can increase the risk of gastric cancer.
What is the Treatment for Duodenal Ulcer?
Medications include:
- Steroids, to reduce inflammation
- Pain relievers: Aspirin and other pain-relieving medications can be taken to reduce pain.
- Anticoagulants
The patient is also advised to avoid:
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Stress
- Spicy food.
