An ulcer is a discontinuity on any lining epithelium of your body. An interesting yet unfortunate fact about ulcers is that they can pop up anywhere. Even in your duodenum.

Complicated the word may sound, but ‘duodenum’ is just a fancy name for the first part of your small intestine, the part that joins the rest of your small bowels to the stomach. So, it is a tiny bit that measures around 25 cm in your 6-9 meter-long alimentary canal, but not so negligible when it comes to the discomforts caused by ulcers.

A duodenal ulcer belongs to the group of Peptic Ulcer Diseases (PUD) which is accompanied by Gastric ulcer. It is estimated that peptic ulcer disease affects roughly 4 million people throughout the globe annually.

Causes of Duodenal Ulcer

A lot of arbitrary causes can be quoted for the formation of duodenal ulcers, but the Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common and most-discussed one. H.pylori is a helix-shaped gram-negative bacteria that is found in the stomach. The inflammatory response induced by this bacteria on the body leads to gastritis, gastric mucosa irritation, and gastric ulcers over time in some people, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and Ibuprofen are the second major cause of gastric ulcers. Studies have shown that they make gastric mucosa more susceptible to irritation and ulcers. Stress, dietary choices, smoking, chemotherapy, diseases like Crohn’s, etc are thought to be less significant factors that worsen duodenal ulcer formation.

Signs and Symptoms of Duodenal Ulcer

The symptoms of a duodenal ulcer are related to different factors like the location of the ulcer and the person’s age. It even remains asymptomatic in some people for a significant period. But some of the commonly presented symptoms are-

Either a burning pain or a dull ache in the abdomen
Abdominal pain that reduces on eating
Hypersalivation
Poor appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal bloating
Allergy to certain foods
Foul-smelling stools of tar-like consistency (melena)
Nausea and vomiting, sometimes blood is seen the vomitus when the ulcer bleeds
Frequent belching

In a minority, no symptoms are presented.

When not managed properly, peptic ulcers can lead to complications such as-

Perforation of the duodenum and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract – may cause the pouring of duodenal contents into the abdominal cavity
Bleeding- the ulcers may bleed over time, and when it is uncontrolled, the condition can get fatal
Stenosis- shrinking of different parts of the small intestine

Diagnosis and Lab investigations

Basic diagnosis can be derived from the symptoms themselves. Endoscopic methods like Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)/gastroscopy and barium contrast x-rays can be employed to visualize the ulcer location and arrive at an accurate diagnosis, if not healed even after treatment. Blood tests are not much appreciated in duodenal ulcers, as they are likely to give false negative results. The presence of H.pylori can be determined through a urea breath test and stool antigen test.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Duodenal Ulcer

The symptoms of duodenal ulcer can be correlated to that of parinama shoola according to classical descriptions. The word Parinama means transformation in Sanskrit, which indicates the time of onset of pain, ie, during digestion. All three doshas take part in the manifestation of parinama shoola, but the predominance will differ in different people. In vataja parinama shoola, the symptoms such as different types of pain, gurgling, distension, constipation, etc are presented. In pittaja type, burning pain, tastelessness, thirst, sweating, etc can be seen. In kaphaja parinama shoola, nausea, vomiting, mental confusions, heaviness of the body, dull pain, etc will arise. In vata-predominant parinama shoola, intake, as well as the external application of sneha dravyas, and vasti, are considered ideal. In pitta-predominant parinama shoola, virechana (purgation) is indicated. If kapha-predominant, vamana (induced vomiting/emesis) will do the job.

AyurVAID Approach

When appropriately managed, the duodenal ulcer is never a nightmare. Here at Apollo AyurVAID, we approach such conditions with proper Ayurvedic means and help you recover completely. Apollo AyurVAID is a pristine institution that bears the virtue of Ayurveda. Our doctors, skilled and proficient in their field, are here to help you by providing comfort and reassurance. In-depth assessment of the condition, precise diagnosis, thorough samprapti vighatana (breaking the disease pathway), properly planned prakriti-oriented treatment, quality procedures, safe and hygienic environment, etc are our peculiarities. We offer you complete care for the conditions that ail you.

We are:-

First NABH-accredited hospital in India
The winner of the esteemed National Award for Best Ayurvedic Centre of the year 2017 from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Industry’s best customer satisfaction score of 92%, rated by our clients

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the pain in duodenal ulcers described ?

The pain caused by the duodenal ulcer can either be a dull ache or a burning sensation. It usually increases at night to the point that it wakes up the person and causes him to toss and turn on the bed. The pain usually gets relieved by eating and drinking.

Is EGD painful ?

No, it should not be. EGD is a minimally invasive procedure done to visualize the inside of the alimentary canal. The endoscope is introduced to the upper gastrointestinal tract through the mouth after giving topical anesthesia. If needed, a biopsy can also be performed along with it. The complications are very rare.

Is duodenal ulcer curable ?

Yes, but it depends on the intensity and number of ulcers. With the diagnosis at the right time and proper management, they heal within 4-6 weeks. But they are likely to relapse if the cause is not identified and eliminated.

Duodenal Ulcer