Attention: the first symptoms of duodenal disease. Duodenum

The digestion process in the gastrointestinal tract occurs mainly in two sections: the stomach and duodenum, the remaining sections are responsible for the absorption of nutrients. It follows from this that the normal state of the duodenum is the key to the normal functioning of the body as a whole. And it’s very bad that diseases of the duodenum are quite common today. Therefore, the editors of the site www.site and I must tell you how to find out that you have a disease of the duodenum, the symptoms of the disease, and the treatment of common diseases.

Duodenitis

The most common disease is duodenitis. Duodenitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of this section of the small intestine. This disease has two types of course: acute and chronic. Acute duodenitis practically does not occur; this disease is most often detected at the chronic stage. Duodenitis can develop either independently (primary duodenitis) or be a consequence of inflammation of any other part of the gastrointestinal tract (secondary duodenitis), and it can also be diffuse and local.

Causes of duodenitis

The main reason for the development of primary duodenitis is poor nutrition. Consuming overly spicy or sour foods, alcohol, strong tea or coffee leads to the release of large amounts of high acidity gastric juice.

This gastric juice enters the duodenum with food and irritates the mucous membrane, thereby causing inflammation. The causes of secondary duodenitis are gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer, etc.

Symptoms of duodenitis disease

The main symptom of duodenitis is pain. Pain occurs in the epigastric or umbilical areas on an empty stomach or an hour after eating. Pain can be reduced with antacids or food. Very rarely, patients may experience vomiting, heartburn, and unpleasant belching. To make a diagnosis, fluoroscopy, fibrogastroduodenoscopy, and duodenal intubation are used.

Treatment of duodenitis

The basis of the treatment of duodenitis is diet therapy. To relieve pain, the doctor prescribes antacids. To protect the intestinal mucosa, it is necessary to take drugs that reduce the secretion of hydrochloric acid, regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and enhance the restoration of cells of the mucous membrane. Mandatory is physiotherapy and spa treatment.

Duodenal ulcer

Duodenal ulcer is another common disease. This is a chronic, often relapsing disease that manifests itself as a defect in the wall of the duodenum. An ulcer of this part of the intestine quite often progresses, and the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract may be involved in the pathological process. Sometimes an ulcer can be complicated by bleeding, wall ruptures, and these complications very often lead to death.

Causes of duodenal ulcer

The main reason why the duodenum is affected by ulcers is Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacterium produces toxins that directly attack the mucous membrane, and also promotes the production of acidic gastric juice, which increases damage to the wall. In addition, an ulcer can occur against the background of previous duodenitis, gastritis, etc.

Symptoms of duodenal ulcer

Since the ulcer is a chronic process, the initial stages of its development do not manifest themselves in any way. In the early stages, the patient may be bothered by a feeling of heaviness in the stomach or epigastric region; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss may also be present. In later stages, the presence of an ulcer may be indicated by a sharp, aching, prolonged pain in the epigastric region. Such pain cannot be confused with anything else, so you need to urgently consult a doctor.

Treatment of duodenal ulcer

Treatment of an illness associated with an ulcer includes several stages. The first stage is the destruction of the root cause - Helicobacter pylori. In this case, adequate antibiotic therapy is carried out.

To protect the intestinal mucosa, doctors prescribe medications that neutralize hydrochloric acid, Ranitidine, etc. It is also necessary to take medications that protect the healthy mucous membrane, for example the drug De-nol.

The entire course of treatment for duodenal ulcers takes approximately 2 weeks, after which the patient must strictly adhere to the diet and regularly undergo the necessary tests in order to prevent relapse or life-threatening complications.

Treatment in each case is prescribed by a doctor - no amateur activities! Only a doctor can allow or not allow the treatment prescribed by him to be supplemented with folk remedies. For your own good, follow his recommendations!

Yulia Ermolenko, www.site
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Pain in the abdominal cavity signals the development of pathologies of the digestive system. The most common are diseases of the duodenum. Peptic ulcers in this segment of the digestive system are more common than stomach ulcers, which is why it is so important to know where the duodenum is located and how it hurts.

The duodenum is the initial section of the small intestine, and on the other side it joins the pylorus of the stomach. There is a hole in the middle of the organ on the left side through which pancreatic enzymes enter.

The name of the intestine is due to its length of 12 fingers. This segment of the digestive system is localized in the retroperitoneal space and is divided into 4 sections:

• top horizontal;
• descending;
• lower horizontal;
• ascending.

The mucous membrane of the duodenum is lined with villi and has folds. In the middle third of the descending part there is a major papilla - the place where the ducts of the stomach and pancreas open into it. Vessels and nerve cells pass through the submucosal layer. Muscle tissue is responsible for motor skills and tone. Thanks to its contractions, chyme moves into the small intestine. The outer layer of the intestine is the serosa, which protects it from external factors.

In this segment of the intestine, food is chemically processed and prepared for further digestion in the small intestine. Most of the enzymes and substances secreted by the pancreas, liver and gallbladder are mixed with the secretions of the characteristic organ, thereby facilitating digestion.

The functions of the duodenum also include the breakdown of food in the small intestine. Its walls contain glands that secrete mucus. This segment of the digestive system regulates the rate of bowel movements. In response to acidic and fatty stimuli that come from the stomach along with digested food, the cells of this part of the digestive system secrete cholecystokinin.

All kinds of pathologies of the duodenum

Diseases of the duodenum mean inflammation in the mucous membrane, affecting its activity and the digestive chain as a whole. The occurrence of the inflammatory process is facilitated by pathologies that affect the performance of the entire organism.

Helicobacter can cause duodenal disease

Often a disease of the initial part of the small intestine is caused. This microorganism lives in the stomach without manifesting itself in any way. Its presence increases the secretion of stomach acid, which irritates the duodenum.

Diseases of a characteristic segment of the digestive system also develop against the background of stress or surgery. In some cases, provoking factors are addictions or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Possible diseases of the duodenum are described below; you should remember their symptoms in order to start treatment on time and avoid serious consequences.

Neoplasms

Cancer of the segment of the digestive tract in question is diagnosed in rare cases, most often in elderly patients. Malignant tumors are formed from intestinal glands and epithelial cells.

The early stage of the disease is asymptomatic. The first signs of cancer appear after the tumor narrows the intestinal lumen or develops tumor intoxication. The patient has:

• pain of varying intensity;
• lack of appetite;
• increased fatigue;
• sudden weight loss;
• yellowing of the skin due to impaired bile excretion.

If a blood test shows a higher than normal concentration of cancer tumor markers, then there is a high probability of developing a malignant tumor. The effectiveness of treatment at an early stage is higher, so it is necessary to undergo an annual examination for cancer cells.

Erosion

Duodenal erosion is understood as the occurrence of an inflammatory process on the surface of the mucous membrane of a characteristic organ that does not penetrate into the muscle tissue. Accompanied by the formation of erosions. Thickening of the intestinal wall is noted. The disease is provoked by stress, addictions, poor nutrition, and some drugs.

Symptoms of the pathological condition include:

• problems with stool;
• burping;
• heartburn in the stomach;
• the occurrence of pain.

Duodenostasis

Duodenostasis is a disease that affects the motor function of the intestine. Stagnation of its contents occurs, a mushy mass accumulates, which consists of gastric secretion, enzymes and incompletely digested food.

The pathology is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• lack of appetite;
• and right hypochondrium;
• nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting;
• formation of constipation.

Duodenitis of the duodenum

A fairly common pathology of the duodenum is duodenitis. The disease affects the walls and mucous membrane of the intestinal segment. The long course of the disease leads to its thinning. Often develops against the background of secretory insufficiency.

The disease manifests itself with several signs:

• distension of the stomach after eating;
• dull and persistent pain;
• nausea accompanied by vomiting;
• lack of appetite.

Painful sensations occur in the epigastric region.

Anomaly of intestinal development

Congenital stenosis anomaly of intestinal development

Developmental defects are quite rare in medical practice. One of these anomalies is congenital stenosis, diagnosed in the first hours of a baby's life. And also this category includes a diverticulum, which is a protrusion of the wall, lymphangiectasia.

The reason for the formation of the latter is unilateral lymphostasis. It often occurs against the background of malformations of other digestive organs, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease.

Peptic ulcer

A duodenal ulcer is a chronic inflammatory pathology. Crater-shaped wounds form on the mucous membrane of the organ. The size of the formations ranges from 5 to 10 mm in diameter.

Various factors contribute to the occurrence of peptic ulcers:

• the presence in the stomach and intestines of Helicobacter pylori, which destroys epithelial cells;
• aggressive action of hydrochloric acid, which violates the integrity of the mucous membrane;
• constant stress that provokes spasms of the intestinal vessels, as a result of which the nutrition of the cells worsens, and then their death occurs.

The clinical picture is expressed during exacerbations. The main symptom of ulcers are nocturnal hungry pains that disappear after eating. Intestinal ulcers are characterized by nausea, loss of appetite, frequent belching, and constipation.

Symptoms of intestinal pest infestation are:

• skin rashes;
• diarrhea;
• pain in the abdominal area;
• heartburn in the stomach.

Intestinal obstruction

There are many reasons for the occurrence of obstruction of the initial section of the small intestine:

• congenital anomalies;
• violation of intestinal rotation;
• vascular compression.

Gallstones can enter the stomach through a fistula between the organ and a characteristic segment of the digestive tract. The calculus migrates through the alimentary canal and often gets stuck in the small intestine. Before the formation of an anomaly, a person is worried about the feeling of pain in the right hypochondrium.

Balanced diet

Any disease of the duodenum requires following a diet. Therapeutic nutrition in combination with complex therapy eliminates exacerbation and improves the patient's condition. In case of intestinal inflammation, first of all, foods that stimulate acid secretion in the stomach should be excluded from the diet.

If you have a disease of the duodenum, you should avoid fried and smoked foods.

During treatment, it is necessary to avoid fatty broths, fresh vegetables, sour fruits, fruit juices, smoked foods, fried foods, and spices. Consumption of carbonated and alcoholic drinks is prohibited.

The daily menu should contain easily digestible fats of plant origin. To avoid overloading the stomach, eating foods that are too cold or too hot is contraindicated. It is necessary that the food is at room temperature.

Food products that cause mechanical irritation to the gastric mucosa are prohibited. These are legumes, coarse grains, raw vegetables and fruits. If you are sick, you should avoid mustard, vinegar, and hot seasonings.

Proper nutrition involves frequent meals, about 5 times a day. The interval between them should be at least 3 hours. It is worth giving preference to boiled or steamed products.

Treatment regimen

The treatment tactics for duodenal disease are determined exclusively by a qualified specialist after conducting appropriate research. Therapy is selected based on the pathology identified during diagnosis. If a peptic ulcer is confirmed, the patient is prescribed medication. To get rid of bacteria that cause inflammation, antibiotics are prescribed.

Surgical treatment of peptic ulcer is performed in rare cases. This method may be used if the pathology is complicated. During surgery, the doctor removes the affected area of ​​the intestine, which reduces the amount of hydrochloric acid and the synthesis of secretions.

Cancer patients are treated surgically. Small tumors are removed laparoscopically. To remove large tumors, extensive surgery is performed.

If the malignancy is diagnosed at a late stage, surgical treatment becomes much more complicated. The specialist removes not only the tumor, but also the affected lymph nodes and nearby tissues. In addition, the patient is prescribed radiation and chemotherapy to prevent relapses of the disease.

Duodenitis that develops against the background of helminthic infestation is treated with antibiotics. Medications that enhance intestinal motility can normalize the activity of the digestive system.

Prevention measures

It is important to give up alcohol and smoking

The period after treatment of duodenal diseases involves giving up alcohol and smoking. Stressful situations that have a negative impact on human health, namely the immune system, which worsens the condition of internal organs, should be avoided.

It is recommended to adhere to the diet prescribed by your doctor and exclude fatty, fried and sour foods from your diet. The body should receive food rich in fiber. Additionally, you should provide the body with vitamin A.

The duodenum is often called the “second stomach”: it is here that pancreatic enzymes, active in an alkaline environment, break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In the old days, everything was measured with fingers. Hence the name of this organ (like the Latin “duodeni” - twelve).

The duodenum is the beginning of the small intestine, 25-30 cm long, located almost horizontally under the stomach. Food from the stomach flows here in processed, crushed form. At the beginning of the duodenum there are two ducts: the gallbladder, whose bile breaks down fats, and the pancreas, which secretes enzymes for faster splitting.

Causes of duodenal diseases

The consequence of the increased acidity of gastric juice is that the "second stomach" works hard, neutralizing this acid. Poor functioning of the duodenum leads to the fact that almost all organs of the gastrointestinal tract are affected. Digestion in the stomach occurs through one of the five types of Wind - "Equal to Fire" (from the standpoint of modern medicine - through the branches of the vagus nerve).

Nerve endings braid not only the walls of the stomach, but also its sphincters (sphincter), which in the upper part (cardiac sphincter) separate the stomach from the esophagus, in the lower part (pylorus, pyloris) - from the duodenum 12. Nerve endings contribute to peristalsis and the promotion of the food mass from the stomach to the duodenum, and also close the stomach "on the locks", closing the sphincters. After 1.5-2 hours of digestion in the stomach, the food mass is evacuated to the duodenum, where, already in an alkaline environment, through one of the five types of bile - "Digestive", undergoes further processing (fat breakdown).

Violation of the work of these two types leads to inflammation of the duodenum or duodenitis. Then, if the disease is not treated, duodenal ulcer occurs. Due to the disorder of the mechanisms of nervous regulation and blood supply (causes of Wind disturbance: increased excitability, prolonged stressful situation, improper and erratic nutrition, the action of certain drugs), the pylorus that separates the stomach and duodenum becomes weak and loosely separates them.

As a result, duodenogastric reflux occurs. The contents of the duodenum are thrown back into the stomach. Due to the fact that the gastric mucosa is not adapted to work with bile acids and bile, inflammation of the gastric mucosa and the duodenum itself (gastroduodenitis) occurs. Problems in the duodenum must be dealt with immediately, otherwise the sphincter between the duodenum and the stomach is affected, and it is no longer possible to restore the integrity of the pylorus muscle ring. Therefore, the disease must be treated as quickly and intensively as possible - it is difficult to restore the muscle ring even surgically.

Symptoms of duodenal disease

SMALL INTESTINE

Energy deficiency in the small intestine manifests itself if a person readily accepts the knowledge, beliefs and beliefs of other people, without even trying to analyze and "digest" them. Such a person is not able to develop his own system of ideas and values. In addition, such a person is susceptible to a number of chronic diseases. The small intestine is a Yang organ and belongs to the fire element.

Its length ranges from 160-430 cm; in women it is shorter than in men. Thanks to the digestive juices, the muddy thick coming from the duodenum is divided into two parts in the small intestine: liquid and thick. From the thick, dirty part, feces are subsequently formed, from the liquid part - urine.

Full juicy lips speak of a strong small intestine, which is the real "battery" of the body, and thin, weak, pale ones indicate weakness of the small intestine. If the function of the small intestine is reduced, a person suffers from tinnitus, poor hearing (trace the path of the small intestine meridian in the photo), bloating in the lower abdomen, and increased urine output.

With inflammatory processes in the small intestine, there may be frequent sore throats, swollen cheeks, shoulder pain, and diarrhea. Also in Eastern medicine, the small intestine is considered a reliable assistant to the heart, protecting it from emotional storms and shocks, and removes unnecessary and harmful substances from the heart. The small intestinal system is responsible for the condition of the arteries and, accordingly, for blood circulation.

If the intestines are spasmed (disturbance of the Wind due to constant stress), the nutrition of blood vessels and tissues is disrupted, and the heart suffers. That is why diseases of the heart and small intestine always coexist. The activity time of the heart meridian is 11-13 hours, the small intestine is 13-15 hours. If the cardiovascular system is in order, during these hours you can allow yourself the maximum physical and emotional stress possible for a healthy body (exams, negotiations, sports activities, etc.).

If there is a lack of energy in the small intestine during these hours, a person feels general weakness, increased sweating, and numbness in the limbs. Such people usually feel better in the evening, when activity in the small intestinal system decreases.

Causes of diseases of the small intestine

Consequences

Treatment of duodenum

With inflammatory processes in the duodenum, the symptoms of the disease can be so varied that sometimes difficulties arise in diagnosing them. This section of the intestine is the connecting link between the stomach and the thin section of the gastrointestinal tract. It is this location that causes the frequent development of inflammation in the duodenum area. How can a pathological process manifest itself symptomatically?

The main signs of duodenitis of any origin are the characteristic clinical manifestations of pathological conditions in the intestinal tract. These include the following:

1. Painful symptoms of various origins. The pain is localized in the epigastric region, slightly above the navel, mainly on the right side of the body. In rare cases, duodenitis can manifest as pain on the left side. Such localization of algia is one of the main differential signs of pathology. During the acute period, the patient notes that this symptom bothers him almost constantly. It appears suddenly for no apparent reason. At first, it is impossible to accurately indicate the location of algia. Only after some time does it become characteristic and localized in the area of ​​the duodenum. With chronic duodenitis, the symptoms are more smoothed out. Although pain is present, it is insignificant. Algia is not acute, but dull, aching. It is at this point that diagnosis is difficult due to the similarity with the symptoms of liver and pancreas diseases. However, in young children and elderly patients with a chronic process, there may be little or no pain.
2. Symptoms of heartburn are uncommon. It is most typical for men in the age group under 30 years. In this case, the cause of heartburn is not an increase in the acidity of gastric contents; duodenal intubation will not reveal a significant deviation from the norm. The cause of this symptom is an increase in gastric motility. This means that medicinal substances with an antacid effect are not able to relieve heartburn due to duodenal disease.
3. Nausea is a fairly characteristic symptom of a chronic inflammatory process in the duodenum area. Most often, the symptom appears on an empty stomach and only in rare cases - late in the evening when the intestines are full. Nausea is accompanied by the urge to vomit and copious flow of saliva. As a rule, it cannot be controlled with medication. Quite often, nausea is detected along with persistent headache and dizziness. In the absence of other symptomatic manifestations of duodenitis, diagnosis is difficult. Most often, the patient is suspected of having a disease of the nervous system or a traumatic brain injury.
4. Vomiting with duodenitis is practically not detected, but if nausea occurs, it may well appear. Most often, it becomes a symptomatic sign of the patient developing a hormonal imbalance associated with duodenum.
5. If symptoms in the form of constipation appear with duodenal pathology, then this is the main sign of combined inflammation. Then not only the duodenum is affected, but also parts of the large intestine.
6. If we talk about diarrhea, it is more typical for giardiasis intestinal disease or a combination of duodenitis and pancreatitis. In this case, the bowel movements are abundant, but not very liquid. Their frequency is low. The patient usually defecates after the next meal.

General signs

In addition to symptomatic manifestations associated with the gastrointestinal tract, inflammatory processes in the duodenum are often accompanied by symptoms of general health problems.

When examining patients, the doctor identifies the following complaints:

1. Most often, patients are bothered by an intense headache. By its nature, it resembles the attacks inherent in migraine. Sometimes patients associate symptoms of headaches with food intake. They note that the pain begins to increase approximately 2 hours after eating or, conversely, appears on an empty stomach. In the latter case, a light snack completely relieves the migraine. Pain may appear as a result of intoxication of the patient’s body, due to irritation of nerve endings in the intestines provoked by the disease, etc. Such migraine does not respond to symptomatic therapy, but disappears completely with the treatment of duodenitis.
2. Dizziness often bothers patients with inflammation in the duodenum. They usually appear on an empty stomach and disappear immediately after eating. This is one of the diagnostic signs of the disease. The main reason is an increase in insulin levels, which is no longer controlled by a specific duodenal hormone.
3. Sometimes diseases of the duodenum are accompanied by depressive states.
4. Unstable appetite. Some patients have a constant desire to eat. It is due to the fact that on an empty stomach a person experiences nausea, headache or heart pain. The main way to stop them is to eat. The patient simply “eats” his pain. A decrease and even a complete lack of appetite is more typical for advanced chronic forms of the pathological process. Patients with this condition have a characteristic anorexic appearance. They are sharply asthenic, muscle groups are atrophied.
5. Often manifested by disorders of the cardiovascular system. As a rule, this manifests itself in the form of tachycardia. It is associated with hormonal imbalance in the body. However, pain in the heart area may also occur. They are typical for young men and are caused by an effect on the branches of the vagus nerve.

Clinical manifestations

Depending on how the symptoms characteristic of duodenitis are combined, experts distinguish the following forms of the pathological process:

1. Ulcer-like inflammation of the intestines. The symptoms of epigastric pain begin to bother the patient at night, that is, on an empty stomach. During the same period, heartburn and bitter belching may appear. Symptoms are relieved by eating.
2. With gastritis-like inflammation, the first signs of the disease begin to appear some time after eating. The patient complains of diarrhea, nausea, which often ends with vomiting, flatulence and belching. Appetite in this course of the disease is reduced or completely absent.
3. Inflammation of the duodenum may be similar to pancreatitis or cholecystitis. In this case, pain in the epigastrium will be localized under the ribs on the right or left side, and it can radiate to any area of ​​the abdomen. Symptoms of cholestasis and dyspepsia of varying severity appear.
4. Due to a lack of hormones secreted by the duodenum, patients develop a neurovegetative form of acute or. The symptomatic manifestations in this case are very similar to astheno-neurotic diseases, which makes timely diagnosis difficult.
5. There is also a mixed form of pathology, combining various signs of the disease.
6. In elderly patients, duodenitis can be completely asymptomatic. It is detected by chance, when diagnosing other diseases.

Timely diagnosis will allow an accurate diagnosis.

Ulcerative lesions account for about 30% of all diseases of the digestive system. Also, according to statistics, up to 10% of the adult population of the planet are familiar with stomach and duodenal ulcers. The factors leading to the development of this pathology are very diverse. How is the duodenum structured and what functions does it perform? What diseases can occur in this part of the intestine? How to properly treat duodenal ulcer? Answers to these and other questions are presented in this publication.

The structure of the duodenum

This C-shaped part of the gastrointestinal tract is 30 centimeters long. On one side it is connected to the sphincter at the outlet of the stomach, on the other it passes into the small intestine. In the middle of the duodenum, on the left side, there is an opening through which pancreatic enzymes enter it. The walls of the organ consist of four layers of tissue.

The innermost layer consists of a simple columnar epithelium with microscopic villi on the surface, which increase the area and improve the absorption of nutrients. Multiple glands secrete mucus to lubricate the wall and protect it from the acidic environment of the chyme. Beneath the mucous membrane is a layer of connective tissue that supports the remaining layers. Many blood vessels pass through the submucosal layer, while protein fibers give strength and elasticity to the duodenum. Next is smooth muscle tissue, thanks to the contractions of which chyme moves into the small intestine. Finally, the serosa is the outer layer of this part of the intestine, it is formed by simple squamous epithelium, which makes the outer surface of the duodenum smooth and even. This layer helps prevent friction with other organs. Next, we will touch on such issues as the functions performed by the duodenum, symptoms, and treatment of peptic ulcer.

Functions of the duodenum

The duodenum is the first and shortest segment of the intestine. Partially digested food comes here from the stomach in the form of a gruel called chyme; an important stage of chemical processing of food and preparation for further digestion in the small intestine takes place here. Many enzymes and substances secreted from the pancreas, liver and gallbladder, for example, lipase, trypsin, amylase, are mixed with the secretions of the duodenum, which facilitates the digestion of food.

The duodenum is largely responsible for breaking down food in the small intestine. In its walls there are glands that secrete mucus. The duodenum is almost entirely located in the retroperitoneal space. This part of the digestive system regulates the rate of bowel movements. Its cells produce the secretion cholecystokinin in response to acidic and fatty irritants that come from the stomach along with chyme.

The duodenum constantly contracts, and each movement helps push food towards the small intestine.

The most common diseases of the duodenum:

• Duodenitis is an acute or chronic disease of this part of the digestive system, which is accompanied by inflammation of the intestinal mucosa.
• Peptic ulcer disease is a chronic disease in which ulcers form in the mucous membrane, often a consequence of chronic duodenitis.
• Duodenal cancer. It is a fairly rare malignant tumor of this part of the intestine. Oncological diseases can also be called sarcoma and carcinoid; they are localized in different layers of the intestinal wall.

The same article discusses in detail such pathology as duodenal ulcer.

Causes of peptic ulcer

So, the duodenum is a part of the digestive system that connects the stomach and small intestine. It is also susceptible to various pathologies that occur during a person’s life. Duodenal ulcers are three times more common than gastric ulcers. In this case, the main cause of pathology is gastric acid. But it causes inflammation of the duodenum only if the surface membranes of the organ are not able to perform their protective function.

Effect of drugs

One of the reasons why gastric and duodenal ulcers can develop is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Diclofenac, as well as many others, which are used to treat arthritis and eliminate muscle pain, reduce the protective barrier of the intestinal mucosa. One of the rare causes is also Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, in which too much acid is produced in the stomach, which causes inflammation of the duodenum, which is simply not able to cope with such a volume.

Acid

The stomach usually produces enough acid to digest food and eliminate pathogenic bacteria. This acid can corrode tissue, so the mucous membrane of both the stomach and intestines produces a layer of a substance that performs a protective function. In a healthy person, there is always a balance between the amount of acid and mucus. An ulcer can develop when there is a change in this balance that allows the acid to damage the lining. In this case, both organs can suffer - the stomach and duodenum. The development of an ulcer often involves the duodenal bulb or its initial part.

The role of bacteria

Ulcers can also be caused by a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori. These microorganisms infect the mucous membrane of the duodenum, which, in turn, opens the way for the corrosive action of acid and the development of inflammation. Helicobacter pylori infection (usually just called H. pylori) is responsible for about 19 out of 20 cases of duodenal ulcer. Once a bacterium enters the body, it remains there for life. The only question is whether favorable signs for the pathogenic activity of the microorganism will appear.

Ulcer symptoms

So, if we talk about what diseases of the stomach and duodenum are most common, then this is usually an ulcer. Let's name its symptoms:

• Pain in the upper abdomen, just below the sternum, that comes and goes, is paroxysmal. This symptom may suddenly occur when you are hungry, or, conversely, after eating. The pain can cause awakening at night; most often it subsides after taking antispasmodic drugs.
• Bloating, the urge to defecate, and nausea are especially worse after eating.

Many people experience these seemingly minor symptoms throughout their lives. Some attribute them to an empty stomach, others to overeating. Most limit themselves to taking painkillers or some generic drugs that help with various problems with the gastrointestinal tract. However, this only temporarily suppresses the symptoms, while the ulcer progresses more and more. If the stomach and duodenum are not treated, this is fraught with unpleasant consequences.

Complications

They occur less frequently, but are painful and can be serious:

• bleeding from an ulcer varies from a trickle to life-threatening bleeding;
• perforation, or perforation of the wall of the duodenum, with this complication, food and acids enter the abdominal cavity, which causes severe pain and the need for emergency medical care.

Therefore, you need to know: if the duodenum is bothering you, the symptoms of the disease, even if they are very minor, should under no circumstances be ignored!

Diagnosis of the disease

Endoscopy is a procedure that can confirm the presence of a duodenal ulcer. A doctor or nurse uses a thin flexible telescope, lowered into the esophagus and further into the stomach, to view the condition of the organs of the digestive system. This procedure usually immediately identifies any inflammation and ulcers, if any. A test to detect the bacteria H. pylori is usually done if you suspect you have a duodenal ulcer. If a microorganism is detected, then the diagnosis of “ulcer” can be considered confirmed. This organism may be found in a stool sample because the bacteria enter the rectum through bowel movements. Blood tests and a breath test may also be necessary. A biopsy, which involves taking a small piece of tissue from the lining of the intestine, is often performed during an endoscopy.

Treatment methods

Acid suppressants are usually prescribed over a four- to eight-week course. The treatment significantly reduces the amount of acid in the digestive tract and brings welcome relief.

• The most commonly used medications are proton pump inhibitors. This group includes drugs that reduce the production of hydrochloric acid by the gastric glands as a result of blocking the proton pump in the cells of the gastric mucosa that transports hydrogen and potassium ions. These medications are classified as antisecretory drugs. By actively working on the cells lining the stomach, they help reduce acidity. These are Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole. Medicines in this group are necessarily indicated if the duodenal bulb is affected by an ulcer.
• Sometimes another class of drugs called H2 blockers is used. They also reduce the production of hydrochloric acid. This group of medications includes the following drugs: Cimetidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine and Ranitidine.
• If the ulcer was caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, then the main direction of treatment is to eliminate the infection. If you do not do this, then as soon as you stop taking drugs that suppress acid production, the treatment of the duodenum will come to naught, and the ulcer will break out with renewed vigor. In this case, antibiotics are needed. A combination regimen of antibacterial agents is often prescribed, for example the drug Metronidazole in combination with the drug Amoxicillin. The doctor may prescribe other antibiotics. They are taken together with the two groups of drugs described above for one to two weeks, this is the so-called triple therapy. Treatment success is observed in 9 cases out of 10. If the microorganism Helicobacter pylori is defeated, then the likelihood of ulcer recurrence becomes minimal. However, in a small number of people, symptoms may return later. In such cases, a repeat course of treatment is prescribed.

Evaluation of treatment results

After the therapeutic course has been completed, it is recommended to undergo tests to confirm complete healing of the ulcer. A follow-up examination is carried out approximately one month after stopping the medication. If the test results again show the presence of pathogenic bacteria, the attending physician will prescribe a second course of treatment, selecting other antibiotics.

In cases where the ulcer is caused by long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs, it is necessary to stop it. This will allow it to heal faster. However, in many cases, anti-inflammatory medications are necessary, for example to relieve arthritis symptoms or prevent blood clots and thrombosis. In such a situation, the attending physician prescribes a long course of medications that suppress acid formation, which must be taken daily.

Surgery

In the past, surgery was often considered necessary for the treatment of duodenal ulcers. But then the influence of the microorganism Helicobacter pylori was not fully studied, and drugs to reduce acid formation in the stomach were not as accessible as they are today. Currently, surgery is necessary if complications of a duodenal ulcer develop, such as severe bleeding and perforation.

Home Remedies

Many traditional medicine recipes help to quickly get rid of duodenal ulcers. In this case, the simplest and most accessible means and plants are often used.

Recipe No. 1. Prepare a mixture of two teaspoons of slippery elm bark powder and dissolve it in 300 g of chilled chamomile tea. It is recommended to take 100 g of this product daily for a year. The compounds included in its composition form a protective membrane on the intestinal mucosa, which helps protect the site of the lesion and the entire inner surface of the intestine from the aggressive effects of acid and pathogenic bacteria.

Recipe No. 2. Make a mixture using equal parts of dried agrimony herb, chamomile, dandelion, gentian and willow flowers (the latter component can be found at the pharmacy). Make an infusion by pouring a tablespoon of the mixture into a liter of hot water and leaving for 3-4 hours. Drink a cup of the resulting medicine daily.

Recipe No. 3. Regular chamomile tea helps minimize the symptoms of peptic ulcers. You can purchase plant filter bags at the pharmacy; they are very convenient to use. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Recipe No. 4. A mixture consisting of sea buckthorn oil and propolis helps heal ulcers formed in the intestines faster. Combine the components and heat in a water bath for 40-60 minutes, stirring. You can do this in the microwave at medium power. Take the cooled mixture one teaspoon during the day, half an hour before meals.

Recipe No. 5. The use of flax seeds has a good effect. You can buy them at the pharmacy. Brew them like tea, just leave for 25 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink 200 g 3 times a day. This product has an enveloping effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.

Recipe No. 6. Three times a day, drink two tablespoons of infusion of marshweed, prepared from 20 g of herb and 200 g of boiling water. First add honey to the resulting medicine and take it before meals.

Recipe No. 7. A classic mixture of herbs - chamomile, calendula and yarrow - has a good healing effect. Pour 30 g of this composition into 300 g of hot water and leave overnight. During the day, take 100 g of this intestinal healing remedy an hour before meals.

Treatment for ulcers involves giving up bad habits, including drinking alcohol and smoking. Ethyl alcohol and nicotine, when ingested, only accelerate the development and progression of the disease.

Avoid stress, it has a direct impact on health, in particular on immunity. And this negatively affects the condition of internal organs, including the digestive system, and reduces the body’s defenses.

Reduce your consumption of fatty and fried foods, acidic foods, as well as chocolate and coffee. Maintains the health of an organ such as the duodenum, a diet high in fiber. Therefore, oat bran, lentils, flaxseed, carrots, soy milk, and peas are beneficial for the intestines.

If an attack of a peptic ulcer takes you by surprise, lie on your right side, bend your knees and press them to your chest. Take a pain reliever and call a doctor or ambulance. Remember that a proper diet, eating vegetables, grains, soups, avoiding dry snacks or overeating, and a healthy lifestyle help prevent the development of chronic diseases of the digestive system.