1. Duodenal vs. Peptic
It may sound complicated, but a duodenal ulcer is simply a peptic ulcer which is located in the upper part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum, where the stomach connects to your intestinal tract. The duodenum is actually the most common site in the stomach for ulcers to occur, as acid often settles down into the small area while passing food to the small intestine.
2. Acid Isn't Necessarily the Culprit
The common assumption is that over-production of acid in the stomach is what causes ulcers; however, this is rarely true. Most ulcers are caused due to a breakdown in the protective mucus that lines the stomach, allowing acid to pass through and irritate the delicate tissue. The most common cause of peptic ulcers, duodenal or otherwise, is a common bacteria called H. pylori. In addition to this little bug, other factors can complicate matters, such as overuse of anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Excessive stress, nicotine, caffeine and alcohol can also aggravate symptoms.
3. The Burning Signs
The most common symptom of duodenal ulcers is reoccurring heartburn which begins about 2 hours after eating and is soothed by eating more. Other less common symptoms might include stomach pain, particularly during nighttime hours, weight gain and even blood in vomit and/or stools. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor for diagnosis.
4. Diagnosing the Ulcer
There are three basic tests which are used to diagnose a duodenal ulcer, and your doctor may use one or a combination of them. The first is an x-ray of your upper GI tract. You doctor will ask you to ingest a barium drink which will allow him to see the ulcer in the images. Instead of the x-ray, your doctor may choose to use an endoscope, which is a small camera mounted on a thin tube which is placed inside your stomach. This procedure allows your doctor to see and photograph your ulcer, and is the best way to determine the size and state of the ulcer. In addition to an x-ray or endoscope, your doctor may ask for a stool sample which is then tested for the presence of the H. pylori bacteria.
5. Knocking Out Ulcers and Preventing a Comeback
Generally, doctors will prescribe two forms of antibiotics as well as a prescription grade antacid which will help the antibiotics to do their job. Depending on your lifestyle and the severity of the ulcer, treatment can take from 2 weeks to 3 months. In order to allow your medication to work and prevent the reoccurrence of ulcers, it is important that you restrict acidic fruits including lemons, grapefruit, oranges and tomatoes from your diet during treatment. During and after treatment you should try to reduce stress and eliminate alcohol and nicotine completely.
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