Duodenal Ulcer

Duodenal Ulcer is a common condition characterized by the presence of a well-demarcated break in the mucosa that may extend into the muscularis propria of the duodenum. More than 95% of duodenal ulcers are found in the first part of the duodenum; most are less than 1 cm in diameter.

A duodenal ulcer is caused by stomach acid and digestive juices. A type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, also called H. pylori, commonly causes this. Other common causes of duodenal ulcers include anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, stress, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol use.

The symptoms of duodenal ulcers include heartburn, stomach pain relieved by eating or taking antacids, weight gain, and a burning sensation of the back of the throat. The patient is most likely to feel discomfort two to four hours after meals, or after having citrus juice, coffee, or aspirin. About fifty percent of patients with duodenal ulcers awake during the night with pain, usually between midnight and three a.m.

If an ulcer is bleeding, the patient may have vomit containing bright red blood or digested blood that looks like brown coffee ground and black, tarry bowel movements.

Proper diagnosis of duodenal ulcer is important because prompt initiation of treatment can effectively prevent potentially serious complications.


[External Links]
Complete information regarding duodenal ulcer
Video of a duodenal ulcer from youtube.com
More images and information of duodenal ulcer