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Duodenum Disorder

Duodenum disorder is an intestinal disorder that is often referred to as a duodenal (or peptic) ulcer. It is also generically called a stomach ulcer. An ulcer is a lesion, or open sore, found on the skin or mucous membrane area of the body. The duodenum is another word for stomach lining and the duodenal ulcer is an ulcer of the stomach lining.

  1. The Facts

    • The duodenum is the area of the stomach where pepsin (enzyme that digests food) and hydrochloric acid are present. As a result, the duodenum ulcer is sometimes called peptic ulcer. Scientists previously believed that duodenal ulcers were a result of a poor diet and stress, however, recent research indicates that certain stomach acids (such as pepsin and hydrochloric acid) also contribute to the disorder.

    Causes

    • Current research on duodenum disorders indicates that 90 percent of duodenal ulcers (and 80 percent of gastric ulcers) develop as a result of Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. H. pylori is a bacterial infection that affects the first part of the small intestine. According to mayoclinic.com, about half of the people in the world have the bacteria and show no signs of infection. On the other hand, individuals who do show symptoms as a result of H. pylori may experience complications (that include stomach cancer and duodenum ulcer).

    Features

    • In certain individuals, duodenum disorder may develop as a result of other factors besides H. pyroli, poor diet, and stress. Scientists believe that smoking slows the healing process of existing ulcers as well as increases the chance of a person getting an ulcer. Caffeine is known to begin acid secretion in the stomach and may provoke an existing ulcer. Furthermore, certain anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium) may contribute to the harmful effects of hydrochloric acid and pepsin.

    Symptoms

    • Individuals who suffer from ulcers may not always exhibit symptoms of the disease. However, a common sign of an ulcer is a burning sensation in the stomach area, between the navel and the breastbone. The burning pain typically occurs between meals and early in the morning. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, belching, tiredness, and weight loss.

    Function

    • Duodenum disorder results in serious complications, if left untreated. One serious complication is the narrowing and obstruction of the duodenum. Ulcers may swell and scar the stomach lining and, as a result, close the intestinal opening. This obstruction may prevent food from leaving the stomach and entering the small intestine, and may result in vomiting. Other complications include bleeding of the duodenum and perforations in the stomach lining.

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