Duodenal ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer generally caused by an infection. In rarer cases, duodenal ulcer is caused by the overuse of anti-inflammatory medication.
The duodenum is a part of the small intestine where food meets the enzymes for digestion. The digestive enzymes are made from cells lining the small intestine and from the pancreas. Once food is broken down, it can be then properly absorbed.
Advertisement
Quite a common occurrence, duodenal ulcers result from the damage along the lining of the intestines due to stomach acid.
Duodenal ulcer signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a duodenal ulcer include a sensation of gnawing, burning, or hunger in the stomach. Some patients may experience a feeling of fullness. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloody or tarry stool, chest pains, and unintentional weight loss.
Duodenal ulcer vs. gastric ulcer: comparing causes and risk factors
Ulcers that occur along the lining of the stomach are gastric ulcers, as opposed to duodenal ulcers which form along the lining of the intestines. Both types of ulcers can be caused by the bacterium H.pylori along with stomach acid and the overuse of anti-inflammatory medications.
Women are more prone than men for both types of ulcer, but younger men are more likely to develop these ulcers than younger women.
Other risk factors include a prolonged use of aspirin, tobacco use, caffeine, alcohol, cancer, and a past history of ulcers.
Diet for duodenal ulcer
Diet modifications can help you manage your duodenal ulcer and keep symptoms at bay. If you have a duodenal ulcer, you should avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, as they are irritants. It may also be wise to consume smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Keeping a food journal is a smart option, too, as you can keep track of which foods do or do not irritate your condition.
Duodenal ulcer treatment and home remedies
There are many medical interventions your doctor can utilize in order to treat your duodenal ulcer depending on the severity of your condition. Treatment options for a duodenal ulcer include:
- Antibiotics to fight off bacteria like H.pylori
- Proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid
- Acid blockers
- Antacids
- Cytoprotective agents, which protect the lining of the stomach and intestines
- Surgery, which is mainly only utilized if there is internal bleeding or a perforation
Advertisement
Home remedies for a duodenal ulcer to manage symptoms and promote healing include:
- Do not smoke
- Do not drink alcohol or caffeine
- Avoid foods that promote stomach acid
- Avoid seasonings like garlic, onion, pepper, and other spices
- Avoid high fat foods, spicy foods, foods that contain chocolate, foods made with cream or milk, spice cheeses, seasoned meats or cold cuts, tomatoes and tomato products
- Eat fruits and vegetables, foods containing low-fat or fat-free dairy, whole grains, lean meat
- Don’t eat up to two hours prior to bed
By working with your doctor and making these small diet changes you can help cure your duodenal ulcer.
Related: Peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer) causes, symptoms, diet, and treatment
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
