Unfortunately, many people face such a problem as inflammation of the mucous membrane of the duodenum. Symptoms of duodenitis are extremely unpleasant, as they are associated with serious digestive disorders. Properly conducted therapy allows you to get rid of the disease. On the other hand, it is not worth excluding the likelihood of developing complications.
Of course, many people are looking for additional information. What is dangerous duodenitis? Causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention - this, of course, is important data that is definitely worth exploring.
What is an ailment?
Duodenitis is a common disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the duodenum. The disease, as a rule, develops against the background of an increase in the acidity of the gastric juice, which, when it enters the intestine, damages its mucous membrane - this is how the inflammatory process develops.
It is worth noting that duodenitis can be both acute and chronic. In most cases, the disease develops in adulthood, but is sometimes diagnosed in children. According to statistics, in 94% of cases, acute inflammation, even with appropriate treatment, eventually becomes chronic.
Causes of duodenitis
Many people are interested in information about the symptoms and treatment of chronic duodenitis. But first, it’s worthwhile to understand the main causes of the development of the disease. Risk factors include:
- improper nutrition, in particular the constant use of foods that increase the acidity of gastric juice and irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines;
- the presence of bad habits, in particular smoking, alcohol and coffee abuse;
- infection of the mucous membranes with helicobacteria;
- the presence in patients of chronic forms of gastritis (regardless of origin);
- digestive tract ulcer;
- violation of the blood supply to the walls of the duodenum;
- chronic diseases of the digestive system, in particular colitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, inflammatory lesions of the mesentery, chronic forms of pancreatitis;
- hormonal disorders.
Symptoms of duodenitis
The inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the duodenum is accompanied by very characteristic symptoms.
- First, dull pain localized in the epigastric region appears. Sometimes soreness extends to the region of the right hypochondrium. Unpleasant sensations, as a rule, intensify at night. The pain becomes more pronounced with an empty stomach, as well as during palpation.
- Patients complain of lack of appetite. The feeling of fullness of the stomach occurs even after eating a small amount of food.
- Other symptoms gradually appear - bloating, increased gas, nausea (its attacks often end with vomiting), bitter belching, heartburn.
- Patients often suffer from constant constipation.
- The inflammatory process can be accompanied by an increase in body temperature, as well as general malaise, chills, weakness, drowsiness.
Forms of the disease
There are many classification systems for such an ailment. For example, duodenitis can be primary or secondary (develops against the background of another disease of the digestive system). If we take into account the change in the structure of the intestinal wall, then several forms can be distinguished.
- Atrophic duodenitis is accompanied by a violation of intestinal motility and thinning of the mucous membrane.
- The hemorrhagic form of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of bleeding. Symptoms are aggravated by the use of certain drugs, alcohol, sour and spicy foods.
- Catarrh is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and general weakness. The onset of symptoms is associated with damage to the intestinal mucosa by rough food.
- Superficial duodenitis is characterized by damage to only the surface layers of the intestinal mucosa.
- The phlegmous form of the disease is accompanied by a purulent lesion of the intestinal tissues.
- Erosive duodenitis is also isolated. Symptoms - severe pain in the upper abdomen, vomiting with impurities of blood. The disease is accompanied by the formation of erosion and ulcers on the walls of the intestine.
Possible complications
Many people are interested in information about the symptoms and treatment of intestinal duodenitis in adults. It is worth noting that sometimes an ailment leads to the development of very unpleasant and even dangerous complications, including:
- periduodenitis - a disease in which the inflammatory process extends to the serous membrane of the intestine;
- sometimes small patches of erosion, ulcers and other defects appear on the mucous membrane (often, ulcers are perforated against the background of duodenitis);
- pyloric stenosis (there is a sharp narrowing of the place where the stomach passes into the intestine);
- a sharp decrease in the acidity of the juice in the stomach, resulting in serious digestive upsets;
- partial or complete bowel obstruction;
- gastric and intestinal bleeding;
- peritonitis.
Diagnostic measures
Symptoms of duodenitis can sometimes resemble a number of other diseases of the digestive tract. That is why correctly carried out diagnostics is so important.
- First, of course, a general inspection is carried out. The doctor collects information about the patient's symptoms, examines the information from his medical record.
- First of all, a person gives blood and urine for research. By the way, a biochemical blood test is also needed.
- Radiography of the stomach and upper intestines is performed. This is a simple and affordable study, which makes it possible to examine the contours of organs, to determine the presence of certain neoplasms.
- Duodenal sounding is mandatory - examination of the intestinal mucosa using a special endoscopic probe.
- During the examination, the doctor also takes samples of gastric juice for analysis, which are then examined in the laboratory, and the pH value is determined.
- If the doctor has a suspicion of the presence of malignant neoplasms, then during the probing, tissue samples are taken for analysis, which are then sent for further research to the laboratory.
It is such studies that are carried out if there is suspicion of intestinal duodenitis. Symptoms, causes of the development of the inflammatory process, the presence of certain complications - this is what a doctor must determine. Based on the data obtained, a specialist will be able to draw up an effective therapy regimen.
Pathology treatment
Symptoms and treatment of duodenitis are closely related. The choice of drugs directly depends on the presence of certain disorders in the patient, the causes of the development of the disease.
- If during the studies it was confirmed that Helicobacteria were present in the digestive system, then antibiotics, for example, Amoxicillin, Tetracycline, Clarithromycin, must be included in the treatment regimen.
- If the inflammatory process is the result of penetration into the body of giardia or helminths, then patients are prescribed Metronidazole, Vermox, and Dekaris.
- Symptoms of duodenitis in adults, such as nausea, bloating, belching, heartburn, can be removed with antacids. Such drugs as Keal, Almagel, Fosfalugel, Maaloks are considered effective. Such drugs neutralize the increased acidity of the gastric juice.
- Reduce the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice and proton pump blockers. This group includes drugs such as "Rabelok", "Omez", "Gastrocepin."
- The mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines must be protected from the harmful effects of acid. For this purpose, patients are prescribed Sucralfat and De-Nol, which create a protective film on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
- Medicines such as Cytotec and Misoprostol promote the synthesis of mucus, which protects the mucous membrane from acid and infection. These drugs also help to normalize the pH in the intestines and stomach.
- Restoration of the mucous membrane is facilitated by such drugs as Biogastron, Caved-S, and Entrostil.
- It is possible to alleviate the patient's condition by eliminating the main symptoms of intestinal duodenitis. Treatment involves antispasmodics that help cope with pain. In this situation, it is advisable to take such drugs as No-shpa and Drotaverin.
- Tools such as Cerucal and Motilium help improve the functioning of the digestive system.
- In combination with antibiotics, probiotics are necessarily used, for example, Linex or Bifiform. The use of these funds helps to restore the normal intestinal microflora.
- If the patient has nervous disorders, the doctor may recommend taking mild sedative medications, such as tinctures of valerian or Tenoten.
- In the event that the inflammatory process is associated with obstruction of the intestine, a bowel examination is periodically performed, followed by washing the cavity with mineral water.
- Sometimes bile-binding drugs, such as Cholestyramine, are additionally introduced into the treatment regimen.
In most cases, such treatment helps to eliminate the symptoms of chronic duodenitis (as well as the acute form of the disease), and remove the inflammatory process. In the event that drug therapy does not help, there are malignant neoplasms or some complications (for example, intestinal perforation), the patient needs surgical intervention.
Proper nutrition
Symptoms and treatment of duodenitis are closely related. Since the ailment is accompanied by serious digestive disorders, proper nutrition is an integral part of therapy.
If we are talking about acute inflammation, then during the first two weeks you need to adhere to the most sparing diet. Fractional nutrition is better for patients - you need to take food often (5-7 times a day), but in small portions. During this period, the menu should include mucous soups of oat, semolina and rice groats. Soft-boiled eggs, liquid cereals, jelly, omelets, but only steamed are allowed.
It is extremely important to exclude from the diet all foods that irritate the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Spicy, smoked and fried foods, canned food, spices, vegetables and sour fruits (raw), pickles, pastries, fresh bread are prohibited. Alcohol is strictly contraindicated, as well as coffee, chocolate and cocoa.
After two weeks, you can gradually introduce new food into the menu, including meat dishes, but only non-fat varieties (for example, steam cutlets). Of course, spicy foods and foods that irritate the intestines should still be avoided. From alcohol and tobacco should refrain in order to avoid relapse.
Folk remedies
Some traditional medicine can help cope with the symptoms of inflammation.
- Some herbalists recommend drinking a decoction of flax seeds. This remedy helps protect the mucous membranes from acid exposure.
- St. John's wort is also considered useful. Two tablespoons of dry grass (sold in pharmacies) are poured with a glass of boiling water and cooked in a water bath for 30 minutes. After the broth cools down, it can be filtered and divided into three servings that need to be consumed during the day. The medicine is best taken half an hour before meals.
- If there is an erosive form of duodenitis, plantain juice will help. A teaspoon of juice should be mixed with the same amount of natural honey and taken 30 minutes before a meal. The medicine is consumed three times a day.
- Rosehip jelly also has enveloping properties.
Of course, you can use any home remedies only with the permission of a doctor.
Forecasts and preventive measures
We have already reviewed information about the symptoms and treatment of adult duodenitis. Nevertheless, it is sometimes much easier to prevent the development of the disease. If we are talking about the primary forms of inflammation, it will be enough only to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet (refuse fried, fatty, spicy), sharply limit the amount of alcohol consumed.
In addition, timely diagnosis of any diseases of the digestive tract is important, since it is precisely such pathologies that often cause the development of duodenitis. All diseases should respond to timely and adequate therapy.
If we are talking about the prevention of relapse, then it is worthwhile to understand that patients who have already undergone such an inflammatory disease should be registered with a doctor. It is necessary to periodically undergo medical examinations, take the necessary tests. A positive effect on the digestive system and spa treatment.
If the patient follows the correct diet, follows all the recommendations of the doctor, then the prognosis is favorable for him - the symptoms of duodenitis can be eliminated, as well as reduce the likelihood of complications.