Causes, symptoms of duodenal ulcer, methods of therapy

Ulcer of duodenum is a chronic disease that is prone to relapse. It is manifested by inflammation in the mucous membrane that arises as a result of the disturbance of the nervous and humoral mechanism of control of secretory-trophic processes in the intestine.

Etiology of the disease

Among the main causes of this disease are the following factors:

• influence of Helicobacter pylori;

• constant stress and depression;

• heredity;

• malnutrition, smoking;

• taking certain medicines.

Ulcer of duodenum: symptoms

Among the clinical manifestations of this disease, one should recall pain in the abdomen, which in most cases appears at night. Characterized by "hungry" pain.

Symptoms of duodenal ulcers include nausea, sometimes vomiting with an admixture of blood, belching and bloating. Painful sensations are characterized by a corresponding rhythm and time of appearance. In most cases, they intensify after physical overstrain, after drinking alcohol or using spicy foods. It should also be noted that the blood can be not only in the vomit, but also in the stool, which indicates the development of bleeding. Treatment of duodenal ulcer in this case should be carried out immediately, since there is a high risk of fatal termination due to massive blood loss.

It should also be mentioned that in elderly patients, peptic ulcer disease can occur without a pronounced clinic, which makes diagnosis difficult.

Symptoms of ulcers of the duodenal ulcer often worsen in the spring and autumn. The presence of an ulcerative defect is indicated not only by pain, but also by the feeling of overflow of the stomach, heaviness. It is worth remembering that the intensity of pain may not correspond to the severity of the lesion of the intestinal mucosa. Sometimes exacerbations are asymptomatic, so even very minor pain may need immediate intervention by medical professionals.

Methods of treatment

In the treatment of this disease, the main efforts are directed at eliminating its cause and destroying Helicobacter pylori with the help of antibiotics. With proper treatment, the symptoms of duodenal ulcers quickly disappear, and exacerbations do not occur later.

Patients are also prescribed drugs that create a protective film on the mucous membrane and neutralize hydrochloric acid. Promotes healthy diet, avoidance of physical overload, refusal of alcohol and cigarettes.

When symptoms of duodenal ulcer build up and do not lend themselves to conservative treatment, surgery is indicated. During the operation, areas with ulcerous defects are removed, as well as individual nerve branches are cut, which further affects the acidity.

After the treatment, patients should undergo repeated examinations at the gastroenterologist at least twice a year. This helps to avoid exacerbations and severe complications, as well as to control the course of this intestinal disease.