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Duodenal ulcer Causes and Risks:
According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 90% of duodenal ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium. This common, spiral-shaped bacterium can weaken the protective mucus coating of the duodenum, allowing acid and bacteria to ulcerate the sensitive lining underneath. About two-thirds of the world's population is infected with H. pylori, but most of those infected do not exhibit symptoms related to the infection. Chronic or long-term use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
(NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can also cause duodenal ulcers. Although rare, ulcers are sometimes caused by stomach or pancreatic cancer.
Duodenal ulcers are not caused by spicy foods or stress .
According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 10% of the population will experience a peptic ulcer (gastric or duodenal) at some point in their lives. Duodenal ulcers occur more frequently in men than in women.
Risk factors for duodenal ulcers include H. pylori infection, NSAID use, family history of peptic ulcer, group O blood type, and being over age 30. Duodenal ulcers are also associated with cigarette smoking .
Prevention:
People with a history of duodenal ulcer should avoid aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) use. Check with your health-care provider about alternatives to these medications.
Smokers with a history of duodenal ulcer should quit smoking.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: Note: There may be no symptoms.
The following symptoms can be life threatening. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you have any emergency symptoms such as:
Signs and Tests:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment:
If the ulcer is caused by H. pylori treatment may include a combination of antibiotics that kill the bacteria, H 2 -blockers and proton pump inhibitors that reduce stomach acids, and medications that protect the lining of the stomach and intestines. For example, "triple therapy" used to treat this type of ulcer consists of a two-week course of two antibiotics plus an acid-suppressing drug or a drug that coats the lining of the stomach and intestines.
The antibiotics used to kill H. pylori bacterium include metronidazole, tetracycline, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin. H 2 -blockers to reduce stomach acids include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid). Proton pump inhibitors, which block the mechanism by which acids enter the stomach, include omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). Bismuth subsalicylate, an ingredient in Pepto-Bismol, and sucralfate (Carafate) are two medications that help coat the ulcer, allowing the ulcer to heal.
When the ulcer is caused by NSAIDs, NSAID use is usually discontinued and the symptoms may be treated with H 2 -blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and bismuth subsalicylate or sucralfate.
Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary to manage ulcer complications (for example, bleeding, perforation, or obstruction) that do not respond to other treatments.
Self-help measures include: - Avoiding smoking .
- Avoiding tea, coffee, and caffeine -containing soft drinks.
- Avoiding alcohol .
- Avoiding aspirin and NSAIDs.
Prognosis:
More than 90% of ulcers caused by H. pylori are effectively treated with antibiotics and ulcer-healing medications and do not recur.
Most NSAID-induced ulcers resolve after NSAID use is discontinued and ulcer-healing medications are administered.
Recurrent ulcers can lead to complications. Contact your health-care provider right away if symptoms persist or recur or new symptoms develop.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if ulcer symptoms worsen, do not improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.
The following symptoms can be life threatening. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you have any emergency symptoms such as:
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