The duodenum refers to the upper portion of the small intestine. In case a person develops an ulcer in this region, it is referred to as a duodenal ulcer. An ulcer is nothing but a sore that develops in the gastrointestinal tract because there is a break in the protective mucosal lining of the tract.

There are many different reasons for developing a duodenal ulcer, but the main causes are proliferation of Helicobacter pylori bacterium, taking certain types of medication or smoking. Duodenal ulcers can also develop on account of hereditary.

It has been seen that men over the age of fifty are four times more prone to getting duodenal ulcers compared to women in the same age group.

Just like any other type of ulcer, a doctor will make a confirmed diagnosis before beginning the treatment protocol. Usually performing a barium X-ray or doing an endoscopy is the best way to get a diagnosis.

The main symptoms of duodenal ulcers include pain in the stomach, heartburn, gaining weight and suffering from a burning sensation towards the back of the throat. Usually these symptoms will appear around a couple of hours after the person has eaten a meal. Another notable symptom of duodenal ulcers is that the pain usually occurs in the night and can last for up to 3 hours.

Some of the other symptoms associated with duodenal ulcers include belching, suffering from nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, losing weight even though the person might be consuming normal amounts of food, and experiencing fatigue and general weakness.

The treatment protocol includes taking a course of antibiotics to get rid of the H. pylori bacterium, and taking antacids to reduce the production of gastric acids in the stomach. In case the ulcer is severely inflamed and causing an obstruction or is bleeding, then a surgical procedure may be undertaken.

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