Inflammatory pathologies of the digestive system, such as gastritis, can trigger the development of a concomitant ailment in the intestine called duodenitis. Depending on the localization of the pathological process, proximal duodenitis is distinguished, which is inflammation that affects the junction of the intestine with the stomach. We will further examine what kind of pathology it is, what its cause is, and what symptoms it is accompanied by. Let's start with the main causes.
Reasons for the appearance
Infection of the proximal intestinal mucosa with Helicobacter pylori can lead to the development of proximal duodenitis. But in addition to this, there is an additional set of different reasons that can provoke the occurrence of an ailment:
- Hereditary factors when there are close relatives in the family suffering from inflammatory diseases of the digestive system.
- An unbalanced diet, when a person often overeats, especially before bedtime, or, conversely, starves too often.
- The consumption of a large amount of junk food in the form of marinades, pickles, smoked foods, fast food, and in addition, fatty, spicy and especially fried foods.
- Abuse of bad habits, whether it is alcohol or smoking.
- Uncontrolled use of drugs.
- The influence of psychoemotional factors in the form of frequent stressful situations and nervous disorders.
Foreign body
Accidental ingestion of any foreign objects can also lead to proximal duodenitis. In this case, the foreign body can settle in the intestinal bulb and squeeze its wall, which will provoke the development of an inflammatory reaction around. Especially often in young children the development of the disease in the proximal part is caused by intestinal parasites along with helminths and lamblia.
Many are interested in what it is - proximal duodenitis.
The main forms of the disease: erosive, catarrhal and moderate
Proximal duodenitis, like any other inflammation that develops in the digestive organs, can occur in acute or chronic form. This disease can be localized in a specific focus. Of particular importance is the division of this pathology into morphological forms. Thanks to this classification, it is possible to develop the correct therapy tactics.
What is superficial proximal duodenitis?
Specialists distinguish the following forms of this disease:
- The initial stage, or in another way - follicular duodenitis of the proximal region, is characterized by the presence on the walls of the bulb of a significantly increased number of lymphoid follicles.
- At the stage of moderate duodenitis, endoscopic examination reveals slight damage and deformation of the upper layer of the epithelium on the walls of the intestine.
- Severe form is erosive proximal duodenitis. It is characterized by the presence on the surface of the mucosa of abundant lymphoplasmacytic infiltrations and multiple erosions.
- Proximal catarrhal duodenitis, which is caused by helicobacter. A characteristic clinical manifestation of this variety is the saturated brightness of the intestinal mucosa, along with increased blood filling of the capillaries and swelling of the folds.
Now we turn to the consideration of the symptoms of this disease and find out how it manifests itself.
Symptomatology
In the event that the patient was diagnosed with duodenitis, then the existing symptoms will strongly resemble the manifestation of gastritis. The main signs of this disease in the proximal division are divided into several groups:
- The development of an ulcer-like pain in the intestine and stomach, which occurs some time after eating.
- Dyspeptic symptoms, that is, impaired digestive functions, which are characterized by excessive gas formation, a tendency to constipation and nausea. At the same time, frequent vomiting is also possible.
- Symptoms of intoxication and inflammation can be manifested by general weakness, and at the same time dizziness, fever, loss of appetite and very often sharp weight loss.
Frequent troubling symptom
Symptoms of duodenitis in adults are rather unpleasant. In addition, a warning sign indicating that a person may have duodenitis in the proximal intestine is frequent heartburn along with the appearance of an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, belching, increased salivation and the appearance of yellow plaque in the tongue. Sometimes, patients may have included streaks of blood in the feces.
Diagnostic research
The identification of this disease, along with the correct diagnosis, as a rule, does not present any difficulties for the specialist. The main thing that is necessary from the diagnosis in this case is the determination of the level of mucosal damage.
A general visual examination of the patient demonstrates the onset of the tongue with plaque, and in the case of blood loss observed in him, pale skin is visible. Palpation makes it possible to identify soreness in the epigastric region.
Laboratory and instrumental studies
The following laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out:
- The state of the blood is examined. For this, biochemical and general analyzes are performed to detect a decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cells.
- Analysis of feces shows the presence of blood in it.
- The study of pH determines the increase in acidity, which allows the specialist to suggest that duodenitis was caused by gastritis.
- The presence of Helicobacter pylori infection is detected using specific tests.
- Endoscopic examinations allow you to visually assess the condition of the mucosa. Thanks to such techniques, it is possible to find out the degree of intestinal damage, and in addition, take a biopsy for histology.
Also, medical specialists conduct a survey radiography of the abdominal cavity. In the presence of proximal duodenitis, it can be used to detect topographic disturbance in the relationship between the intestines and the stomach. Radiography using a contrast agent makes it possible to evaluate intestinal motility.
How is the treatment carried out?
With duodenitis, which develops in the proximal intestine, therapeutic measures should be carried out comprehensively. They should be built to combat the underlying disease. The treatment in each case is individual and is developed on the basis of the diagnostic results. All drugs in the presence of this ailment can be prescribed only by a specialist who takes into account the individual tolerance of the patient and his sensitivity to various medications. In this case, the specialist also draws attention to the general condition of the patient and the specific symptoms of the disease.
Preparations
Typically, the following groups of drugs are included in the treatment of adult duodenitis:
- Antibiotics if there is Helicobacter pylori infection. The course of treatment is from one to two weeks.
- Medications to neutralize acidity.
- Envelope medications along with anesthetics to prevent pain after eating.
- Preparations intended for the healing of mechanical damage and cracks in the mucosa.
All therapeutic measures for this pathology should be carried out subject to a mandatory change in diet. A diet against the background of proximal duodenitis is prescribed especially sparing. First of all, the principles of fragmentation should be adhered to. Eat at least six times a day, and the portions should be small. All dishes need to be stewed, baked or boiled, and before serving, you should grind the food well. Spicy, pickled, acidic and salty foods that irritate the mucous membranes are excluded from the diet. In addition, we must completely abandon the consumption of coffee, alcohol and smoking as well.
Symptoms and treatment of duodenitis in adults are interrelated.
For therapeutic purposes, physiotherapeutic procedures in the form of electrophoresis, galvanization and magnetotherapy are often additionally used. These techniques contribute to the rapid healing of tissues and eliminate inflammation. During the period of remission, in order to prevent relapse, spa treatment is carried out. Alternative medicine methods can also be applied in the form of clay, oil, honey, massage, acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments. But traditional methods of treatment for this disease should be treated with great caution. They can only be resorted to after consulting a specialist.
Against the background of the appearance of the first alarming symptoms, which indicate the development of duodenitis in the proximal intestinal region, you should immediately consult a gastroenterologist. In such a situation, you can not self-medicate, as this can be very dangerous. Only with the help of a qualified specialist will it be possible to achieve an absolute cure for pathology or to bring the disease into a state of prolonged remission.
We learned what it is - duodenitis of the stomach.
Now we find out what doctors advise as part of the treatment and prevention of this pathology.
Doctors advice
Doctors say that proximal duodenitis, like any other pathology, should undergo appropriate preventive measures. Experts consider it necessary not only treatment with medical preparations or other special means, but preservation of general health along with timely treatment of diseases of the stomach and the entire digestive system as a whole.
Doctors advise patients not only to eat a balanced diet, but to completely abandon bad habits, namely nicotine and alcohol. In addition, experts insist that patients engage in moderate physical activity and lead a healthy lifestyle. It is very important to make daily walks along with physical exercises and other activities that improve the metabolic process, and other physiological activities.
In particular, doctors advise annually to carry out endoscopic examination, which allows to assess the condition of the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. In addition, according to experts, a mandatory step in the treatment of this disease is to take a biopsy.
Recovery period
In general, the prognosis, subject to timely diagnosis and a recovery course, is usually favorable, the likelihood of developing certain complications is minimal. Only independent treatment along with the use of folk remedies can lead to complications. As for the rehabilitation period, as practice shows, patients, with the right treatment, manage to recover within three months.
We examined what it is - proximal duodenitis.