Duodenal Ulcer
En Español (Spanish Version)A duodenal ulcer is a sore in the lining of the intestine. It is in the first part of your small intestine, known as the duodenum. Ulcers can be treated. A small percentage of them may be cancerous. See your doctor if you think you may have a duodenal ulcer.
Duodenal Ulcer
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Ninety-five percent of duodenal ulcers are from a bacterial infection. They are caused by
Helicobacter pylori
(
H pylori
). Other causes include:
Some factors thought to increase the risk of duodenal ulcer are:
- Gender: male
- Age: the incidence of duodenal ulcers peaks around age 40
- Family history of duodenal ulcers
Symptoms of a duodenal ulcer may include:
-
Burning pain in the gut that feels like a dull ache and comes and goes:
- It often starts 2-3 hours after a meal and goes away after you eat
- It may also come in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Pain while eating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Other tests may include:
- Biopsy
—removal of a sample of tissue for testing
- Blood tests
- Endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine parts of the body
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) x-ray
- Measurement of bile acid (bile acid aids in digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine)
- Breath tests
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Some ulcers will heal if you avoid caffeine, NSAIDs, alcohol, and tobacco. Other treatment options include:
Treatment with medications focuses on:
- Stopping your stomach from making acids
- Killing the bacteria that is causing your ulcer
Medications used to treat gastric ulcers include:
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Histamine receptor blockers
- Antibiotics
Antacids may also help reduce pain and heal ulcers.
If ulcers do not heal with medications, surgery may be needed. Surgery can remove the ulcers and/or reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.
Steps you can take to prevent duodenal ulcers include:
- Stop using NSAIDs. You can talk with your doctor about alternatives.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not drink alcohol.
American College of Gastroenterology
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
Last Reviewed September 2011