Duodenal ulcer is a small wound that arises in the duodenum, which is the first part of the intestine, which connects directly to the stomach. The ulcer usually develops in people who have been infected with the bacteria H. pylori , which removes the protection from the stomach lining and causes inflammation of the duodenum wall.
The most common symptoms of this type of ulcer usually include constant pain in the stomach, nausea and frequent vomiting, which worsen after meals or when a long time without eating.
The ulcer in the duodenum can also be known as a peptic ulcer, which serves to describe any type of ulcer that arises in the stomach or in the duodenum. People who have ulcers in both the stomach and duodenum are usually diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease.
Main symptoms
Generally, duodenal ulcer causes symptoms such as:
- Constant pain in the stomach, mainly in the form of burning; Burning in the throat; Feeling of a full or swollen stomach; Difficulty digesting foods with fat; Feeling sick and constant vomiting; Weight loss.
These symptoms can get worse after very heavy meals, due to the increase in acid in the stomach, but they can also be aggravated when you go without eating for a long time, as there is no food in the stomach to protect the walls against the action of gastric acid.
In addition to the symptoms presented, when the ulcer is very developed, other more serious signs may appear, such as very intense pain that does not improve, vomiting with blood or very dark and foul-smelling stools. This usually indicates that the ulcer is bleeding and that, if treatment is not done quickly, a perforation may occur. See other symptoms that may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The best way to confirm the presence of a duodenal ulcer is to consult a gastroenterologist. The doctor usually assesses the symptoms presented and the patient's history, however, it is common to need diagnostic tests, such as digestive endoscopy, to confirm the presence of the ulcer and to investigate whether there is any other type of stomach ulcer.
In addition, endoscopy also allows a biopsy, in which a piece of tissue is removed from the ulcer and sent to the laboratory, to try to identify if there is any bacteria that is causing an infection.
See how the endoscopy is done and how to prepare for the exam.
What causes duodenal ulcer
The appearance of duodenal ulcer happens due to the action of gastric acid on the wall of the stomach and intestine. Although in most people this wall has natural mucus protection, when there is an infection by H. Pylori, for example, this mucus is reduced and, therefore, the acid acts directly on the walls of the intestine and stomach, injuring it at.
Although H. Pylori infection is the most common cause, natural stomach protection may also be impaired in people who frequently take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, as well as in people who smoke, drink alcohol very often or suffer from constant stress.
How the treatment is done
Treatment is usually started with the use of an antacid medicine or a protector of the gastric mucosa, such as Omeprazole, for example. These remedies should be taken on an empty stomach and help protect the stomach and intestinal wall, allowing the duodenal ulcer to heal.
However, if it is identified, after the biopsy, that there is an infection by H. Pylori, the doctor will also prescribe 2 types of antibiotics that must be taken according to the guidelines, to ensure that the bacteria is eliminated. If the use of any medication is at the origin of the ulcer, it is recommended to use that medication.
In addition, it is still advisable to follow a diet more adapted to reduce inflammation of the stomach and relieve symptoms. Some general guidelines include avoiding industrialized products, reducing the amount of fats and not eating soft drinks, for example. See everything you can eat and what you should not eat.
