A duodenal ulcer is a chronic disease that is prone to relapse. It manifests itself as inflammation in the mucous membrane, resulting from a violation of the nervous and humoral mechanism of control of secretory-trophic processes in the intestine.
Etiology of the diseaseAmong the main causes of this disease, the following factors should be mentioned:
• the effect of Helicobacter pylori;
• constant stress and depression;
• heredity;
• improper nutrition, smoking;
• taking certain medications.
Duodenal ulcer: symptoms
Among the clinical manifestations of this disease, one should recall the abdominal pain, which in most cases appears at night. "Hungry" pains are characteristic.
Symptoms of a duodenal ulcer include nausea, sometimes vomiting with an admixture of blood, belching and
bloating. Pain sensations are characterized by the corresponding rhythm and appearance time. In most cases, they increase after physical stress, after taking alcohol or eating spicy foods. It is also worth noting that blood can be not only in vomit, but also in feces, which indicates the development of bleeding. Treatment of a duodenal ulcer in this case should be carried out immediately, since there is a high risk of lethal termination due to massive blood loss.
It should also be mentioned that in elderly patients, peptic ulcer disease can occur without a pronounced clinic, which complicates the diagnosis.
Symptoms of a duodenal ulcer are often exacerbated in spring and autumn. The presence of a peptic ulcer is evidenced not only by pain, but also by a feeling of fullness of the stomach, heaviness. It is worth remembering that the intensity of pain may not correspond to the severity of damage to the intestinal mucosa. Sometimes exacerbations are asymptomatic, so even very minor pain may require immediate medical attention.
Treatment methods
In the treatment of this disease, the main efforts are aimed at eliminating its causes and eliminating Helicobacter pylori using antibiotics. With proper treatment, the symptoms of duodenal ulcer quickly disappear, and exacerbations do not occur further.
Patients are also prescribed drugs that create a protective film on the mucosa and neutralize hydrochloric acid. Recovery is facilitated by dietary nutrition, the avoidance of physical overload, the rejection of alcohol and cigarettes.
When the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer increase and do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery is indicated. During the operation, sites with ulcerative defects are removed, as well as individual nerve branches are cut, which subsequently affects acidity.
After treatment, patients should undergo repeated examinations by a gastroenterologist at least 2 times a year. This helps to avoid exacerbations and serious complications, as well as to control the course of this bowel disease.