If you are experiencing pain in your upper abdomen, you may have a duodenal ulcer. Duodenal ulcers are sores that form in the lining of the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.
In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of duodenal ulcers and how they can be treated.
What Are Duodenal Ulcers
Duodenal ulcers are caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which can irritate the lining of your stomach and small intestine. Left untreated, duodenal ulcers can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort including some serious health problems.
Symptoms Of Duodenal Ulcers
The most common symptom of a duodenal ulcer is pain in the upper abdomen. The pain is often described as a burning, gnawing, or dull ache. It usually occurs between meals or at night and may be relieved by eating or taking antacids.
Other symptoms may include:
- Burning or gnawing feeling in the upper abdomen that gets worse when your stomach is empty
- Bloating
- Belching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Bloody stool or black stool
If a duodenal ulcer starts bleeding, you may notice:
- Black, tarry stools
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Weakness and dizziness
Seek medical help if you experience any of the following:
- Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
- Passing black, tarry stools
- Significant abdominal pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication
- Fever
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor. They can help determine whether you have a duodenal ulcer and develop a treatment plan.
Causes Of Duodenal Ulcers
H. pylori infection
Helicobacter pylori bacteria are typically found in the mucous layer that covers and protects the stomach and small intestine tissues. The H. pylori bacterium usually causes fewer problems, but it can create ulcers by inflaming the stomach’s inner layer.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include aspirin and other over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, can irritate or inflame the lining of your stomach and small intestine. Naproxen sodium ( Anaprox DS, Aleve, and others), ketoprofen, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), and other drugs are among them. They don’t include acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Diagnosis Of Duodenal Ulcers
Diagnosis is made by a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic tests for duodenal ulcers include:
- Upper endoscopy, stool testing for H. pylori infection
- Blood tests
Treatment Of Duodenal Ulcers
Treatment options include:
- Antacids
- H-blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Antibiotics
Duodenal ulcer surgery is typically only considered when other treatments have failed. If you think you may have a duodenal ulcer, see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Risk Factors
In addition to the hazards associated with using NSAIDs, you may be at a higher risk of developing duodenal ulcers if you:
- Smoke
In patients infected with H. pylori, smoking may increase the risk of duodenal ulcers.
- Consume alcoholic beverages
Alcohol can irritate and dissolve your stomach’s mucous lining, as well as increase the amount of stomach acid produced.
- Have stress that is not being addressed
- Consume spicy meals
Alone, these factors do not cause ulcers, but they can make ulcers worse and more difficult to heal.
Complications
Duodenal ulcers, if left untreated, can lead to:
Internal Bleeding
Bleeding can take the form of slow blood loss, which can lead to catastrophic blood loss, anemia, or which may necessitate hospitalization or a blood transfusion. Severe blood loss might result in black or bloody vomit or bloody feces.
A Hole (Perforation) In Your Stomach Wall
Duodenal ulcers can chew a hole through the wall of your stomach or small intestine, placing you at risk of a deadly abdominal infection (peritonitis).
Obstruction
Duodenal ulcers can block the passage of food through the digestive tract, and vomit, causing you to become full easily, and lose weight either through swelling from inflammation or through scarring.
Gastric Cancer
Studies have shown that people infected with H. pylori have an increased risk of gastric cancer.
Prevention Of Duodenal Ulcer
There are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms:
- Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of three large meals.
- Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Common triggers include spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes.
- Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating a meal. This gives your stomach time to digest food properly.
- Elevate the head of your bed by six to eight inches with blocks or a foam wedge. This helps keep acid from rising into your throat while you sleep.
- Take over-the-counter antacids or medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid production.
Conclusion
If you think you may have a duodenal ulcer, it is important to see your doctor so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be started.
Left untreated, duodenal ulcers can lead to serious complications such as bleeding, perforation of the intestine, and even death. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.