Where does a duodenal ulcer hurt?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Li Wei
Gastroenterology
53sec home-news-image

Is a duodenal frost-like ulcer serious?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 9sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of duodenal ulcers?

The main symptoms of duodenal ulcers include upper abdominal bloating, burping, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and indigestion. The characteristic of the upper abdominal pain associated with duodenal ulcers is that the pain intensifies when hungry and decreases after eating. In terms of treatment, the main approach includes acid suppression to protect the stomach, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa, with the treatment course lasting about six weeks. Additionally, a Carbon-14 breath test is necessary to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, as Helicobacter pylori has been confirmed as the most important cause of peptic ulcers. If the Helicobacter pylori infection is positive, a 14-day treatment targeting Helicobacter pylori is required, using a regimen of a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
50sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
47sec home-news-image

What should I do if a duodenal ulcer causes diarrhea?

Patients with duodenal ulcers who experience diarrhea should undergo a routine stool examination to rule out diarrhea caused by intestinal infections. If there is no obvious organic disease in the intestines, the diarrhea associated with duodenal ulcers may be due to excessive secretion of stomach acid. It is advisable to consider using medications that suppress the secretion of stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or lansoprazole, etc. You can also use aluminum magnesium carbonate, sucralfate, etc., to protect the stomach lining. For patients with abdominal distension, medications like mosapride can be used to promote gastric motility treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Does duodenal ulcer cause nausea and vomiting?

The common symptoms of duodenal ulcers include stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, belching, acid reflux, poor appetite, and indigestion, among others. Therefore, nausea and vomiting are symptoms that can occur with duodenal ulcers. The primary diagnostic method is through an endoscopy, which allows us to see lesions on the mucous membrane of the duodenum, thus confirming a diagnosis of a duodenal ulcer. The treatment focuses on acid suppression, gastric protection, enhancing gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Additionally, a Carbon 14 breath test is recommended. If the Carbon 14 breath test is positive, a comprehensive treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection is required, typically lasting 14 days. Dietary recommendations for duodenal ulcers include a diet that is light and easy to digest, avoiding foods that are hard to digest.