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 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 Wang Hui Jie

Gastroenterology

1min 15sec

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The difference between gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.

The differences between gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers, in terms of symptoms, include that gastric ulcers often manifest as burning pain, or dull pain, distention pain, etc., usually postprandial pain, occasionally with nighttime pain. If it occurs at the pyloric canal, it lacks typical symptoms, with intense pain likely occurring after eating, and poor drug efficacy, prone to vomiting and pyloric obstruction, perforation, and bleeding. Gastric ulcers have a minor possibility of becoming cancerous. Duodenal ulcer pain is mostly located in the upper abdomen, characterized by hunger pain and midnight pain. Abdominal pain generally eases after eating or taking some antacid medications. For ulcers occurring behind the bulb, nighttime pain and a radiating pain in the back are more common. However, the effectiveness of medication is relatively poor, and it is prone to bleeding. Duodenal ulcers are more likely to lead to perforation and pyloric obstruction, but generally do not become cancerous.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 3sec

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Can you eat garlic with a duodenal ulcer?

Common symptoms of duodenal ulcer include stomach pain, bloating, burping, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. The pain typically becomes more noticeable when hungry and lessens after eating. This pattern of pain is a characteristic manifestation. By performing endoscopy, defects can be seen in the duodenal mucosa. Treatment involves acid suppression, stomach protection, and promotion of gastric motility, with a particular emphasis on dietary adjustments. It is important to avoid smoking and alcohol, as well as spicy, fried, barbecue, and other irritating foods. Garlic, being an irritant, should not be consumed by those with duodenal ulcers. A diet consisting of easily digestible and mild foods is recommended, such as porridge, soup, noodles, or very tenderly cooked meats, which can assist in the treatment of duodenal ulcers.

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Written by Wang Li Wei

Gastroenterology

30sec

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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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Written by Wang Li Wei

Gastroenterology

53sec

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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.