Duodenal Ulcer

Duodenal Ulcer

Duodenal ulcers account for about 80% of all peptic ulcers. Approximately 10% of men and 5% of women at some time in their lives will experience a duodenal ulcer. Duodenal ulcers may occur at any age, but the incidence is especially high between 35 and 45 years of age. Duodenal ulcers can develop in anyone, regardless of occupation or socioeconomic group. Although many factors are associated with the development of duodenal ulcers, H. Pylori has been identified as playing a key role. H. Pylori is found in approximately 90% to 96% of patients with duodenal ulcers.

Definition

Duodenal ulcer: A crater (ulcer) in the lining of the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).

Causes

•               Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

•               Anti-inflammatory medicines are sometimes called non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

•               Other factors such as smoking, stress and drinking heavily may possibly increase the risk of having a duodenal ulcer.

•               Genetic causes family history of duodenal ulcer.

•               Hyper secretion of stomach acid

Risk Factors

•               Blood group ‘O’

•               Alcohol

•               Smoking stress

Signs and Symptoms

•               Pain in the upper tummy (abdomen) just below the breastbone (sternum) is the common symptom food intake may releive the pain

•               Pain may flare at night

•               Weight gain

•               Vomiting

•               Hemorrhage

•               Haematemesis

Diagnosis

as same as gastric ulser

Management

•               Change in Lifestyle

•               Lose weight.

•               Avoid any trigger foods.

•               Eat smaller meals and eat your evening meal 3-4 hours before going to bed.

•               Stop smoking.

•               Stop alcohol consumption.

•               Acid-suppressing medication

•               A Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) -90-95% of healing within 2-4 weeks.

•               H2 receptor blockers for 6 weeks.

•               Triple drug rigimens are used to treat H.pylori infection.

Surgical treatment

•               Highly Selective Vagotomy (HSV)

•               Pyloroplasty.