Duodenitis: symptoms, causes and treatment & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is duodenitis?

Duodenitis is inflammation that occurs in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Inflammation of the lining of the duodenum can cause abdominal pain, bleeding, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

The most common cause of duodenitis is a stomach infection related to a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. prylori). These organisms interfere with the mucus barrier that normally protects the delicate lining of the duodenum from acidic stomach contents. Losing this barrier makes a person more prone to chronic inflammation and duodenal ulcers.

How common is duodenitis?

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about 20 to 50 percent of people in the United States may experience this condition. And up to 80 percent of people in developing countries are infected by it Helicobacter pylori.

However, this can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of duodenitis?

Duodenitis causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach which can cause a number of symptoms. The intensity of symptoms may vary between individuals.

Common symptoms of duodenitis

You can experience duodenitis symptoms every day or only occasionally. Often times, the following stomach symptoms can be severe:

• bloated
• abdominal pain
• gas
• loss of appetite
• Nausea, with or without vomiting

Serious symptoms that could indicate a life threatening condition

In some cases, duodenitis can be life threatening. Seek emergency medical help (call 118 or 119) if you, or someone you are with, experience the following life-threatening symptoms:

• bloody stool (blood can be red, black, or tarry in texture)
• severe stomach pain
• vomiting blood

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the worsening of duodenitis and prevent other medical emergencies, so consult your doctor as soon as possible to prevent this serious condition.

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes duodenitis?

The most common cause of duodenitis is called bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). A large number of bacteria that invade the stomach or small intestine can cause inflammation.

Other common causes of duodenitis include long-term use of certain drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Less common causes include:

• Crohn's disease (inflammation of the digestive tract)
• an autoimmune condition
• reflux bile (when bile flows from the duodenum into the stomach)
• have certain viral infections — such as the herpes simplex virus — along with a weakened immune system
• traumatic injury to the small intestine
• placed on the breathing machine
• extreme stress caused by major surgery, severe body trauma, shock
• ingest caustic substances or poisons (strong substances that can burn or corrode tissues if swallowed)
• excessive smoking
• radiation therapy for cancer
• chemotherapy for cancer

Risk factors

What increases my risk for duodenitis?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing duodenitis. Not everyone with risk factors will develop duodenitis. Duodenitis risk factors include:

• alcohol abuse
• history of radiation therapy
• stress or serious illness
• tobacco use

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is duodenitis diagnosed?

There are several tests your doctor can use to diagnose duodenitis. H. pylori can be detected in a blood, stool, or breath test. For a breath test, you will be asked to drink a clear, bland liquid and then breathe into a bag. This will help the doctor to detect extra carbon dioxide gas in your breath if you are infected by it H. pylori.

The doctor can also perform an upper endoscopy with a biopsy. In this procedure, a tiny camera attached to a long, flexible tube (endoscope) is lowered through the throat to view the stomach and small intestine. This test will allow your doctor to check for inflammation. The doctor may take a small sample of tissue for further testing if inflammation cannot be detected visually.

What are the treatments for duodenitis?

Treatment for duodenitis begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. To determine if you have duodenitis, your doctor may ask you to provide blood, urine, and stool samples for laboratory tests. Upper endoscopy allows visualization of the duodenum and a number of small mucosal biopsies. A biopsy is studied under a microscope to confirm infection H. pylori.

Antibiotic treatment for duodenal ulcers

If your duodenitis is caused by H pylori infection, antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment. It is important to adhere to a proper antibiotic regimen to avoid reinfection or recurrence. Most commonly, two antibiotics are given for 14 days. Examples of antibiotics include:

• Amoxicillin
• Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
• Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Tetracycline

Other drugs to treat duodenitis

Medications such as proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2-receptor antagonists, which decrease the amount of acid in the stomach, can also be effective treatments for duodenitis.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat duodenitis?

Here are some tips that can help you prevent duodenitis:

• Avoid smoking.
• Don't drink too much alcohol.
• Eat less spicy foods, acidic drinks (such as orange juice or pineapple juice), and medications (such as aspirin) that are heavy on the intestines.

All of these can reduce your symptoms.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.