A duodenal ulcer is an ulceration in the mucosal lining of the duodenum. It is believed that lifestyle, acid and pepsin, and H. pylori play a role in ulcer development, but H. pylori is considered to be the primary cause of an ulcer, states University of Maryland Medical Center. H. pylori is a bacteria that may be present in the gastrointestinal tract. Additional risk factors for developing an ulcer include regular use of aspirin or ibuprofen, alcohol abuse and smoking. There are symptoms of a duodenal ulcer of which you should be aware.
Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
One of the most common symptoms of a duodenal ulcer is abdominal pain and discomfort. You may experience pain in the upper abdomen between the breastbone and navel that may wake you up during the night. Nausea, a feeling of fullness and hunger, 1 to 3 hours following a meal are additional symptoms. Belching, poor appetite and weight loss can also occur. If you are experiencing abdominal pain and discomfort, contact your healthcare provider. An ulcer can be diagnosed by blood work and a series of x-ray's (upper GI series) of your gastrointestinal system.
Bloody or Dark Tarry Stools
You can experience bloody or dark tarry stools from a duodenal ulcer. As the ulcer recedes the mucosal lining of the intestine, small blood vessels begin to break, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. Stool may appear bright red in color or dark in color ,depending on the location and severity of bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding may lead to the development of anemia. A simple test in your physicians office can diagnose the presence of blood in the stool.
Fatigue Caused by Anemia
According to Medline Plus, fatigue may occur from a duodenal ulcer. This can be due to gastrointestinal blood loss, which leads to anemia. Anemia causes a decrease in the amount of healthy red blood cells available to provide oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, pale skin, dizziness and headache. If you are experiencing abdominal pain and discomfort and an increase in fatigue consult with your physician.
