Duodenal Ulcer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Duodenal ulcer is a condition where there is an injury to a part of the digestive tract called the duodenum, which is the upper part of the small intestine. Ulcers can occur when the surface of the digestive tract is damaged and the underlying tissue is also exposed.
One of the most common symptoms of a duodenal ulcer is abdominal pain.
Duodenal Ulcer Symptom
Duodenal ulcers cause a number of signs and symptoms, including:
- Pain in the upper abdomen or solar plexus. The pain generally comes and goes, and often occurs before eating or when hungry.
Pain generally subsides after eating or after taking medication to neutralize stomach acid. Sometimes, severe pain can also cause a person to wake up at night. - Feeling of fullness and discomfort in the stomach. Complaints in the form of feeling full (a feeling of being full) can also sometimes be experienced, for example after eating certain types of food.
In cases that are not treated, complications can also occur, such as ulcer bleeding and perforation or damage to the wall lining the digestive tract.
Duodenal Ulcer Reason
Duodenal ulcer related to the digestive tract. Normally, the stomach produces stomach acid to help digest food and kill harmful bacteria. Stomach acid has corrosive properties. As a result, the cells lining the stomach and duodenum produce a natural mucous lining to protect digestion from stomach acid.
In general, there is a balance between the amount of stomach acid produced and the mucous lining that protects the intestine from damage. Ulcers can occur when there is a change in this balance. Disruption of that balance causes damage to the lining of the stomach and duodenum.
Some of the causes of this imbalance can be:
- Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection. H. pylori bacterial infection can be the cause of most cases of duodenal ulcers.
- Excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs. A small proportion of duodenal ulcers can also be caused by excessive and prolonged use of anti-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Causes and other factors. Other causes and factors very rarely lead to duodenal ulcers. One of them is Zolinger-Ellison syndrome, which is when stomach acid production exceeds the normal amount.
- In addition, several other factors such as smoking, stress, and excessive alcohol consumption are also associated with an increased risk of developing duodenal ulcers.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of duodenal ulcer can be assessed from a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations.
Several types of supporting examinations that can be carried out are:
- Gastroscopy (endoscopy). In this examination, the doctor uses a tool in the form of a thin and flexible camera which is inserted into the digestive tract through the mouth and esophagus. In this way, inflammation or ulcers can be seen on the surface of the digestive tract.
- Examination to detect H. pylori bacteria. This examination can be done to determine the cause of duodenal ulcers. Samples can be taken from stool, blood, breath, or a biopsy taken at the time of endoscopy.
Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Treatment of duodenal ulcers can be done with the following actions:
- Lifestyle changes. Several lifestyle changes can be made to help manage symptoms. For example by losing weight if the person is overweight, avoiding foods or drinks that can trigger symptoms – such as coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, fatty foods or spicy foods, consuming small portions of food. Also, avoid food intake at least three hours before bedtime, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.
- Medications to control stomach acid production. Medication can be given to control stomach acid production for 4 to 8 weeks.
Prevention
Several preventive methods can be used to avoid duodenal ulcers, such as:
- Avoid foods that can trigger symptoms, such as spicy foods, sour foods, coffee, chocolate, and so on
- Eat food more frequently and in smaller portions
- Avoid food intake at least three hours before bedtime
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Do physical activity regularly
- Implement a good sleep pattern