Duodenal ulcers are lesions, sores and areas of inflammation located at the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The National Institutes of Health points out other names for the condition include peptic, stomach or gastric ulcers. The ulcers often result because of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, or H.pylori, as well as taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. MayoClinic.com advises medical attention is necessary for all stomach ulcers; if left untreated severe internal bleeding, infections, scar tissue formation and other complications may occur.
Abdominal Pain
The most common symptom of a duodinal ulcer is abdominal or stomach pain which mimics a burning sensation. The pain can come and go for several weeks. The pain becomes more apparent when the stomach is empty, often two to three hours after eating, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. The burning sensation becomes more common at night. The pain often resolves after eating. MayoClinic.com reports the pain occurs anywhere from the naval to the breastbone. Pain relief occurs from taking antacids or drinking milk; however, relief is only temporary.
Severe Symptoms
Some symptoms are serious and a person may be suffering from severe gastric bleeding or other complications. Bowel movements made of dark, tarry stools indicate gastric bleeding. Blood in the stool may become visible. A person can vomit dark, coffee ground-like material. The stomach may have sudden, severe pains different from the regular burning sensation associated with duodenal ulcers. Severe amounts of gastric bleeding cause low blood pressure resulting in a person becoming dizzy or fainting. These symptoms are considered an emergency and immediate medical attention is required, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Additional Symptoms
Weight loss and poor appetite occur in patients suffering from duodenal ulcer. The ulcer may cause the swelling of tissue leading to the duodenum. The swelling blocks food from passing out of the stomach, explains Merck.com. The trapped food causes bloating, nausea and vomiting to occur--often after eating.
