Duodenitis

What is Duodenitis

• Duodenitis is inflammation of the lining of the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is commonly caused by a bacterial infection, which may also lead to open sores (ulcers) in the intestine.
• Duodenitis may develop suddenly and last for a short time (acute) or it may develop gradually and last for months or years (chronic).

What are the causes?

The most common cause of duodenitis is an infection from H. pylori bacteria. Other causes of this condition include:

• Long-term use of NSAIDs.
• Excessive use of alcohol.
• An infection of the small intestine (giardiasis).
• Crohn’s disease.
• Certain diseases of the immune system.
• Certain treatments for cancer.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop duodenitis:

• Smoking cigarettes.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Having a family history of duodenitis.
• Taking NSAIDs.
• Eating a high-fat diet.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition may include:

• Gnawing or burning pain in the upper center of the abdomen (epigastric pain). This may get worse when the stomach is empty and may get better after eating.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Bloody vomit.
• Stools that are bloody, dark, or look like tar.
• Diarrhea.
• Weight loss.
• Fatigue.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical exam. You may also have tests, such as:

• Blood tests.
• Stool tests.
• A test that checks the gases in your breath.
• An X-ray that is done after you swallow a liquid (barium) that makes your digestive tract easier to see.
• Endoscopy. This is an exam of the duodenum that is done by putting a thin tube with a tiny camera on the end down your throat (endoscopy). A sample of tissue from your duodenum (biopsy) may be removed with the endoscope and examined under a microscope for signs of inflammation and infection.

Diagnosis of duodenitis typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Tests may include blood tests to check for H. pylori infection, stool tests to look for signs of bleeding or infection, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to visualize the duodenum and obtain biopsies for further examination, and imaging studies (such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan) to evaluate the extent of inflammation or identify other potential causes.

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your condition. Treatment may include:

• Antibiotic medicine to treat H. pyloriinfection.
• Stopping your intake of NSAIDs.
• Medicine to reduce stomach acids.
• Medicine to treat Crohn’s disease.
• Surgery to treat severe inflammation that causes scarring or severe bleeding.

What is the Prognosis?

• With appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications, the prognosis for duodenitis is generally good.
• Most cases of duodenitis respond well to treatment and resolve within a few weeks to months.
• However, if left untreated or if the underlying cause is not addressed, duodenitis can lead to complications such as peptic ulcers, bleeding, or strictures (narrowing) in the duodenum.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Eating and drinking

• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Drink enough water to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. You may be asked to avoid:
  • Caffeinated drinks.
  • Chocolate.
  • Peppermint or mint-flavored food or drinks.
  • Garlic.
  • Onions.
  • Spicy foods.
  • Citrus fruits.
  • Tomato-based foods.
  • Fatty foods.
  • Fried foods.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a fever.
• Your symptoms come back, get worse, or do not get better with treatment.

Get help right away if:

• You vomit blood.
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• Your abdomen swells and is painful.
• You have a lot of blood in your stool.
• You feel dizzy or light-headed.