bowel health

duodenitis

Generality

Duodenitis consists of an inflammatory condition that affects the initial part of the small intestine, called duodenum.

This disorder can occur both in acute and chronic form, and can be triggered by various factors of various origins and nature. Sometimes, these factors can also compete with one another in the development of inflammation.

In some cases, however, duodenitis can be the consequence of other pathologies affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

In the case where duodenitis is caused by other basic pathologies, one speaks of secondary duodenitis. In the case in which, instead, the duodenal inflammation is an "isolated" phenomenon and not dependent on other diseases in progress, one speaks of primary duodenitis.

Causes

As mentioned, the triggering causes of duodenitis can be of different origins and nature. However, generally, duodenitis is a disorder related to increased acid secretion of the stomach (hyperchlorhydria). This increase, in turn, can be caused by several factors, among which we find the infections sustained by Helicobacter pylori, which can lead to the onset of gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Furthermore, duodenitis can manifest itself in association with gastritis, in these cases therefore it is preferred to speak of gastroduodenitis.

At the same time, inflammation of the duodenum can also be caused by taking certain types of drugs, such as, for example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). In addition to this, factors such as stress and poor nutrition can also favor the appearance of this disease.

Finally, duodenitis in chronic form can be associated with diseases and intolerances, such as Crohn's disease, some forms of intestinal parasites (such as, for example, giardiasis) and celiac disease.

Symptoms

To learn more: Symptoms Duodenite »

The main symptoms that can occur in duodenitis patients are:

  • Pain in the upper part of the abdomen;
  • Abdominal swelling;
  • Nausea;
  • He retched;
  • Difficulty of digestion;
  • Diarrhea or constipation;
  • Feeling of general malaise;
  • Anorexia;
  • Decrease in body weight.

Furthermore, in some cases, the typical symptoms of duodenitis may also be accompanied by the appearance of heartburn.

In more serious cases, however, duodenal inflammation can favor the onset of lesions at the level of the intestinal mucosa, with consequent hemorrhage.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of duodenitis - as well as the analysis of the symptoms that afflict the patient - can also be carried out by a specialist doctor performing a gastroduodenal endoscopy with biopsy.

In this way, in fact, it is possible both to analyze the intestinal mucosa directly and to determine the presence or absence of a concomitant gastritis and / or peptic ulcer.

Treatment

The treatment of duodenitis varies depending on the cause that caused it.

  • In the event that inflammation is caused by excessive acid secretion from the stomach, antacid drugs can be administered (such as, for example, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide ).
  • If duodenitis is associated with gastritis and / or peptic ulcer, then the doctor may decide to intervene with the administration of gastroprotective drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 antihistamines (for more detailed information on this, see the 'dedicated article "Drugs for the treatment of gastritis and for the treatment of peptic ulcer").
  • In the event that the hypercloridria that generated duodenitis has been caused by bacterial infections sustained by Helicobacter pylori, the doctor will arrange for the establishment of a drug therapy aimed at eradicating this pathogen. Generally, Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy involves the administration of antibiotic drugs (such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and / or tetracycline) in association with gastroprotective drugs. However, for more information, we recommend reading the dedicated article already on this site: "Triple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori".
  • Finally, in the case of chronic duodenitis associated with pathologies such as Crohn's disease, giardiasis or celiac disease, the doctor will arrange the most appropriate therapy (pharmacological or not) for the treatment of the primary causes underlying the onset of duodenal inflammation:
    • Drugs for the treatment of Crohn's disease
    • Drugs for the treatment of Giardiasis

Diet

In patients with duodenitis, as in those who are at risk of developing it, the diet regulates a fundamental role. In fact, in some cases, incorrect nutrition constitutes the very factor that triggers this duodenal inflammation.

In this regard, patients suffering from duodenitis should not consume foods that are irritating to the gastrointestinal mucosa, such as alcohol, coffee, spicy foods and carbonated drinks and should, instead, take easily digestible foods, such as lean meat and fish, cereals and vegetables. Further advice is contained in the article: Diet for gastritis.

Finally, it would be good if patients suffering from duodenitis also abstained from the smoking habit.