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Diseases of the Duodenum

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. It begins right below the pylorus at the bottom of the stomach and extends to the jejunum, the second part of the small intestine. It is part of the digestive system and helps break down food and removes nutrients to release them into the blood stream. While there are diseases that originate in the duodenum, it is most often affected by diseases of its neighbors.

  1. Crohn's Disease

    • Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. It can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and malnutrition. Common symptoms include blood in the stool, abdominal cramping and loss of appetite. It may also cause fever, skin conditions, fatigue and ulcers. There is no cure for Crohn's, but with treatment it can go into long-term remissions. Treatment includes use of anti-inflammatory medications, immune-system suppressors, antibiotics, vitamins and changes in eating habits.

    Celiac Disease

    • Celiac disease is an inherited digestive disease that causes an immune reaction in the small intestine when products containing gluten are ingested. The immune reaction damages the surface of the intestine and creates an inability to absorb certain nutrients. This leads to vitamin deficiency which can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, bones and liver. Celiac disease does not have any defining symptoms but may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating as well as skin rashes, depression, muscle cramps and mouth sores. There is no cure, but it is easily managed by avoiding food with gluten.

    Peptic Ulcer

    • Peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the esophagus, stomach and small intestines. They are called duodenum ulcers when found in the duodenum. Most are caused by a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori. H. Pylori lives in the mucous lining of the stomach and intestines and may never cause a problem. Sometimes, however, it can inflame the lining and create ulcers. Regular use of pain medication, smoking and excessive drinking can also cause peptic ulcers. Burning pain in the area around the ulcer is the most common symptom. More severe symptoms include vomiting blood, weight loss and changes in appetite. Antibiotics, antacids and medications such as Pepto-Bismol that coat the lining are used as treatments.

    Duodenal Cancer

    • Duodenal cancer starts in the duodenum and may affect other parts of the stomach or small intestines. Symptoms include minor abdominal pain, ulcer-like pain, back pain, loss of energy, pale stools and light urine. It can be treated by resectioning the intestine to remove the tumor as well as with chemotherapy.

    Intestinal Obstruction

    • Intestinal obstruction is a blockage in the intestines that keep food from getting through. Possible causes are hernias, adhesions or tumors. The blockage can cause abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to pass bowel movements or gas. Without treatment, the intestines can die, leading to perforation of the intestine, severe infection and shock. Hospitalization is required for treatment and may involve surgery.

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