Where does a duodenal ulcer hurt?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Firstly, the common sites for duodenal ulcers are the anterior and posterior walls posterior to the bulb, as well as the area behind the duodenal bulb itself. The pain symptoms typically show a pattern. For example, the pain occurs in recurrent, cyclical episodes related to eating, manifesting as sporadic abdominal pain about 2cm above the right side of the belly button, more pronounced on an empty stomach, and alleviating after meals. Sometimes, there is also pain during the night. If the ulcer is located behind the duodenal bulb, it often causes back pain. The main cause is usually an infection with Helicobacter pylori, and eradication therapy can generally cure the condition.

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What will happen if you drink alcohol with a duodenal bulb ulcer?

Common symptoms of duodenal bulb ulcers include stomach pain, bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. A gastroscopy can reveal defects in the duodenal mucosa, which can be diagnosed as duodenal ulcers. Drinking alcohol can irritate the gastric mucosa as well as the duodenal mucosa. If there is an ulcer in the duodenal bulb and alcohol is consumed, it can exacerbate the ulcer, causing the ulcerated area to enlarge and more severe symptoms to appear. Therefore, drinking alcohol can lead to the worsening of duodenal ulcers. Thus, individuals with gastric diseases or peptic ulcers must abstain from alcohol, as it can aggravate the existing condition. If a duodenal ulcer worsens, penetrating the serosal or basal layer, it may lead to perforation. In such cases, emergency surgery is required for treatment. Hence, it is crucial for those with duodenal ulcers to avoid alcohol.

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Symptoms and Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer

Duodenal bulb ulcers often manifest as hunger-like pain in the upper abdomen, which relieves after eating, accompanied by nocturnal pain. Symptoms also include acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, etc. If there is bleeding, symptoms may include black stools and vomiting blood. Treatment depends on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, antibacterial treatment is required, commonly using a triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy for two weeks. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is sufficient, generally using proton pump inhibitors and gastroprotective medications such as bismuth agents. Additionally, it is important to develop good dietary and lifestyle habits to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
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The difference between duodenitis and duodenal ulcer

The difference between duodenitis and duodenal ulcer is as follows: A diagnosis of duodenitis under endoscopy indicates inflammation in the duodenal bulb or descending part, featuring patchy congestion or spotted, erosive conditions identified during the endoscopic procedure, which lead to the diagnosis of duodenitis. If isolated or multiple ulcerative lesions are found in a certain area, it is diagnosed as a duodenal ulcer. Benign ulcers typically have clear boundaries, with surfaces covered with white moss or blood scabs, and the surrounding area may exhibit redness, concentrated mucosa, among other characteristics. Depending on these different presentations, there are different stages of the disease. Both duodenitis and duodenal ulcers are considered benign lesions.

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Is a duodenal frost-like ulcer serious?

The frost-like ulcers in the duodenal bulb are not severe. They refer to relatively superficial ulcers in the duodenum that will heal quickly. To shorten the healing duration of duodenal frost-like ulcers, several aspects should be considered: First, check for Helicobacter pylori infection. If this bacterium is present, it is necessary to first eradicate the bacteria with a quadruple therapy, and then treat with medications that suppress stomach acid or promote ulcer healing. Second, pay attention to the diet. It is not advisable to eat too many gas-producing foods, such as soy products or foods high in starch. Third, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Fourth, finally, treatment should be administered systematically and throughout the entire course.

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Can you eat sunflower seeds with a duodenal ulcer?

Duodenal ulcer, its main symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, heartburn, and indigestion, among others. By undergoing gastroscopy, if defects are observed in the duodenal mucosa, a diagnosis of duodenal ulcer can be made. The treatment focuses on acid suppression, gastric protection, enhancing gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Dietary considerations are crucial. Firstly, it is essential to quit smoking and alcohol. Avoid strong tea, coffee, fatty, greasy, spicy, fried, barbecued, cold foods, and sweets. Consumption of seeds such as sunflower seeds, which are high in fats, is also not recommended. These can increase gastric acid secretion and potentially worsen duodenal ulcers, hence they should be avoided.