Is duodenal bulb inflammation an ulcer?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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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.

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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 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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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 Wang Li Wei
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Si Li Li
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What will happen if you drink alcohol with a duodenal bulb ulcer?

Common symptoms of duodenal bulb ulcers include stomach pain, bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. A gastroscopy can reveal defects in the duodenal mucosa, which can be diagnosed as duodenal ulcers. Drinking alcohol can irritate the gastric mucosa as well as the duodenal mucosa. If there is an ulcer in the duodenal bulb and alcohol is consumed, it can exacerbate the ulcer, causing the ulcerated area to enlarge and more severe symptoms to appear. Therefore, drinking alcohol can lead to the worsening of duodenal ulcers. Thus, individuals with gastric diseases or peptic ulcers must abstain from alcohol, as it can aggravate the existing condition. If a duodenal ulcer worsens, penetrating the serosal or basal layer, it may lead to perforation. In such cases, emergency surgery is required for treatment. Hence, it is crucial for those with duodenal ulcers to avoid alcohol.