Differentiation between Duodenal Ulcer and Gastric Ulcer

Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

Updated on February 01, 2025

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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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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

Gastroenterology

1min 1sec

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How to alleviate nausea from duodenal ulcers?

Duodenal ulcer primarily manifests with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, acid reflux, and belching. The characteristic pain associated with this condition typically diminishes after eating and worsens when hungry. A gastroscopy revealing defects in the duodenal mucosa can confirm a diagnosis of duodenal ulcer. Treatment focuses on acid suppression and gastric protection, enhancing gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Additionally, a carbon-14 breath test is conducted to check for Helicobacter pylori infection, a bacterium that can cause peptic ulcers. If the test is positive, a 14-day treatment against Helicobacter pylori is required. By adhering to this treatment protocol, symptoms can be effectively resolved.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 9sec

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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.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

43sec

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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

59sec

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What is the best treatment for duodenal ulcers?

The main symptoms of duodenal ulcer include upper abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, poor appetite, and indigestion. A duodenal ulcer can be diagnosed through a gastroscopy, which reveals the presence of an ulcer in the duodenum. The primary cause of duodenal ulcers is infection by Helicobacter pylori, hence a Carbon-14 breath test is recommended to confirm the presence of H. pylori infection. Roughly 90%-100% of patients with duodenal ulcers are infected with H. pylori. Another common cause is the digestion of the stomach itself by stomach acid and pepsin. Treatment primarily involves eradicating H. pylori, suppressing acid, protecting the stomach, enhancing gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa, with the treatment duration being about six weeks.