The difference between duodenitis and duodenal ulcer

Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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The difference between duodenitis and duodenal ulcer is as follows: A diagnosis of duodenitis under endoscopy indicates inflammation in the duodenal bulb or descending part, featuring patchy congestion or spotted, erosive conditions identified during the endoscopic procedure, which lead to the diagnosis of duodenitis. If isolated or multiple ulcerative lesions are found in a certain area, it is diagnosed as a duodenal ulcer. Benign ulcers typically have clear boundaries, with surfaces covered with white moss or blood scabs, and the surrounding area may exhibit redness, concentrated mucosa, among other characteristics. Depending on these different presentations, there are different stages of the disease. Both duodenitis and duodenal ulcers are considered benign lesions.

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How to examine the duodenum?

For some diseases of the duodenum, such as inflammation, ulcers, polyps, and tumors of the duodenum, the main examination method is gastroscopy. Gastroscopy can clearly and accurately identify the nature and location of the specific lesions. Additionally, by taking biopsies for pathology, it can specifically determine the benign or malignant nature of the disease, which is very helpful for subsequent treatment plans.

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Can you eat sunflower seeds with a duodenal ulcer?

Duodenal ulcer, its main symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, heartburn, and indigestion, among others. By undergoing gastroscopy, if defects are observed in the duodenal mucosa, a diagnosis of duodenal ulcer can be made. The treatment focuses on acid suppression, gastric protection, enhancing gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Dietary considerations are crucial. Firstly, it is essential to quit smoking and alcohol. Avoid strong tea, coffee, fatty, greasy, spicy, fried, barbecued, cold foods, and sweets. Consumption of seeds such as sunflower seeds, which are high in fats, is also not recommended. These can increase gastric acid secretion and potentially worsen duodenal ulcers, hence they should be avoided.

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Differentiation between Duodenal Ulcer and Gastric Ulcer

Duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers primarily differ in their locations: duodenal ulcers occur in the mucosa of the duodenum, whereas gastric ulcers are found in the gastric mucosa. Secondly, the characteristics of upper abdominal pain differ between the two. Pain from duodenal ulcers typically worsens when hungry and lessens after eating, whereas with gastric ulcers, pain intensifies after eating and decreases when hungry. Thirdly, the prognosis differs; gastric ulcers have a certain potential for malignant transformation, and some large ulcers may already be gastric cancer, while duodenal ulcers rarely develop into malignant tumors. It is advisable to undergo active treatment after a clear diagnosis.

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What medicine is taken for duodenal ulcer?

Duodenal bulb ulcer, its main cause should be related to Helicobacter pylori infection. In this case, first check for Helicobacter pylori infection, generally using the carbon-13 or carbon-14 breath test. If there is Helicobacter pylori infection, then formal antibiotic treatment is required. For example, a proton pump inhibitor combined with two antibiotics, secondly, bismuth preparations, constitute the standard quadruple therapy, with a treatment duration of 10 to 14 days. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is generally sufficient. For example, suppressing stomach acid, protecting the gastric mucosa, etc. At the same time, attention should be paid to regular dietary habits, quitting smoking and alcohol, and avoiding excessive fatigue, etc. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Is duodenal bulb inflammation an ulcer?

Duodenal bulb inflammation is not an ulcer. It refers to chronic inflammation of the mucosa of the duodenum without erosion, hence it is not a duodenal ulcer. However, if patients with duodenal bulb inflammation do not receive proper treatment and fail to pay attention to their diet, among other factors, it may potentially develop into a duodenal ulcer. Once a duodenal ulcer occurs, it could lead to potential complications such as pyloric obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, and perforation of the duodenal bulb, etc. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with duodenal bulb inflammation to seek active treatment.