A duodenal ulcer is a raw spot in the lining of the upper part of the small intestine near the stomach, according to Penn State's Medical Center. Duodenal ulcers fall into the group known as peptic ulcers, which includes ulcers in the stomach and esophagus. The Mayo Clinic estimates that approximately 10 percent of Americans have peptic ulcers, making them a common health problem.
Causes
Individuals with a family history are more likely to get duodenal ulcers than those without such a history. These ulcers occur when stomach acids and various digestive fluids eat away at the lining of the stomach, causing a hole to form. According to the Penn State Medical Center, a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a common culprit. Ulcers may also occur from anti-inflammatory medicines, stress, nicotine use and caffeine.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Stomach pain or a burning sensation, with flareups at night; appetite changes; dark blood in stools, and vomiting of blood can all be symptoms of duodenal ulcers. To accurately diagnose a duodenal ulcer, the physician will take a thorough history and do a clinical exam, blood work may be ordered to test for H.pylori or other bacteria, and an endoscopy or upper GI X-rays may be done.
Treatment
Antibiotics to treat H.pylori, antacids and acid blockers may be prescribed to treat duodenal ulcers. When the stomach makes acid, it aggravates the area of the stomach lining that is already worn away. Another group of medications that is used to treat duodenal ulcers are proton pump inhibitors. These drugs turn off the pumps in certain cells that produce acid.
