Duodenal Ulcers
What are duodenal ulcers?
A duodenal ulcer is an uncomfortable and painful condition, where an area in the lining of the upper section of the small intestine becomes very sore and sensitive where it connects to the stomach.
What are risk factors of duodenal ulcers?
Those who have occurrences of duodenal ulcers in their family history are more likely to have them themselves. Men are four times more likely to have them than women after the age of fifty. Other contributing factors to a risk of duodenal ulcers include stress, the use of anti-inflammatory medications, cigarettes, alcohol, or having a Helicobacter pylori infection.
Duodenal Ulcer
What are the symptoms of duodenal ulcers?
Duodenal ulcers are caused by the stomach lining being broken down by stomach acid and digestive juices. As the duodenal ulcer occurs, the patient may experience symptoms like heartburn, stomach pain, unexplained weight gain, and a sore or burning throat. These symptoms will be particularly strong within two to four hours after eating or consuming acidic or citrus juices or caffeine. Half of the patients with duodenal ulcers report waking in the middle of the night due to pain and stomach discomfort. In some cases, if the ulcer begins bleeding, the patient may vomit, showing traces of fresh or digested blood.
How are duodenal ulcers diagnosed?
A duodenal ulcer is diagnosed by a doctor after reviewing the patient’s symptoms, medical and family histories, and medical exam. Common tests utilized include an upper GI X-Ray, which locates the ulcer on X-Ray after the patient has swallowed a liquid barium solution. Other commons tests include blood work for check for anemia or H. pylori bacteria, and testing stool samples for blood. Some doctors will choose to do an endoscopy on the patient to see the functioning of the upper digestive tract, or a biopsy to test sample tissue removed during the endoscopy.
How are duodenal ulcers treated?
Duodenal ulcers are treated with antibiotics to fight H. pylori infections; patients remain on the antibiotics for up to two weeks. Antacids and other medications may also be prescribed to form a protective area around the ulcer and to reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. These medications are prescribed for up to twelve months to ensure new ulcers do not occur and to maintain the patient’s level of comfort.
Rare but serious complications can occur that may require surgery, such as hemorrhaging, puncturing of the wall of the intestines, or a barrier that prevents food from passing smoothly.
Duodenal ulcers are responsive to treatment, but doctors may recommend patients change their lifestyles in order to prevent ulcers from reoccurring. Patients who experience duodenal ulcers should stop smoking, avoid stomach inflaming medicines like aspirin, and reduce their intake of alcohol and caffeine. Patients who incorporate healthful eating into their diet, reduce stress, and get plenty of sleep and exercise will improve their overall health and reduce their risk of reoccurring duodenal ulcers.