Is a duodenal frost-like ulcer serious?

Written by Wang Li Wei
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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The frost-like ulcers in the duodenal bulb are not severe. They refer to relatively superficial ulcers in the duodenum that will heal quickly. To shorten the healing duration of duodenal frost-like ulcers, several aspects should be considered:

First, check for Helicobacter pylori infection. If this bacterium is present, it is necessary to first eradicate the bacteria with a quadruple therapy, and then treat with medications that suppress stomach acid or promote ulcer healing.

Second, pay attention to the diet. It is not advisable to eat too many gas-producing foods, such as soy products or foods high in starch.

Third, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Fourth, finally, treatment should be administered systematically and throughout the entire course.

Other Voices

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Does duodenal ulcer cause bloating?

Duodenal ulcers can lead to bloating because the duodenum is located just below the pylorus. Once an ulcer occurs in the duodenum, it can cause swelling of the pylorus. Consequently, when the pylorus is swollen, it becomes difficult for gases to be expelled from the stomach, leading to a likelihood of bloating in patients. Once a patient develops a duodenal ulcer, it is imperative first to use proton pump inhibitors to suppress gastric acid secretion to alleviate congestion and swelling of the duodenal mucosa. Secondly, medications that protect the stomach lining, such as magnesium aluminum carbonate and sucralfate, should be used for treatment. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can duodenal ulcers be cured?

Duodenal bulb ulcers are definitely treatable. Treatment is mainly through medication, with the specific approach depending on the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic relief using traditional medicines such as proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole and lansoprazole. If Helicobacter pylori infection is present, antibacterial treatment is generally needed, using either triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy; triple therapy consists of a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics, and adding bismuth forms quadruple therapy. One treatment cycle lasts two weeks, and after completing medication, Helicobacter pylori can be rechecked in one month. Additionally, it's important to maintain good dietary and living habits. If recurrent duodenal bulb ulcers cause bleeding at night, surgical treatment can typically be considered.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Where does a duodenal ulcer hurt?

Firstly, the common sites for duodenal ulcers are the anterior and posterior walls posterior to the bulb, as well as the area behind the duodenal bulb itself. The pain symptoms typically show a pattern. For example, the pain occurs in recurrent, cyclical episodes related to eating, manifesting as sporadic abdominal pain about 2cm above the right side of the belly button, more pronounced on an empty stomach, and alleviating after meals. Sometimes, there is also pain during the night. If the ulcer is located behind the duodenal bulb, it often causes back pain. The main cause is usually an infection with Helicobacter pylori, and eradication therapy can generally cure the condition.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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The manifestations of duodenal ulcer.

Duodenal ulcers can cause symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, poor appetite, and indigestion. The characteristic of upper abdominal pain in duodenal ulcers typically lessens after eating and worsens when hungry. A gastroscope can reveal defects in the duodenal mucosa, confirming a diagnosis of duodenal ulcer. About 90%-100% of patients with duodenal ulcers are infected with Helicobacter pylori, therefore, a Carbon-14 breath test is recommended to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If the infection is positive, a 14-day eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required, involving a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. Additionally, treatment for duodenal ulcers includes acid suppression, gastric protection, enhancing gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. The treatment typically lasts about six weeks.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is duodenal ulcer bleeding a sign of cancerous change?

Duodenal ulcer bleeding does not indicate cancerous changes. The duodenal area is relatively thin, so once a duodenal ulcer occurs, it is more likely to lead to complications such as ulcer bleeding and perforation. If vomiting blood occurs with a duodenal ulcer, it indicates that the patient with the duodenal ulcer has a bleeding complication. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to complete an endoscopic examination, which can include endoscopic hemostasis; secondly, proton pump inhibitors should be used to suppress the secretion of stomach acid and increase the pH level in the stomach; additionally, treatments that protect the stomach lining, such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate, should be used. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)