Duodenal Ulcer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you experience abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or vomiting, you might have a duodenal ulcer. This condition affects the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Duodenal ulcers are common, and they can be caused by a variety of factors.

Causes:

• H. pylori infection: This bacterium is the most common cause of duodenal ulcers. It damages the protective layer of the stomach and small intestine, making them more vulnerable to acid.
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can irritate the lining of the stomach and small intestine, leading to ulcers.
• Smoking: Smoking can increase the production of stomach acid and delay the healing of ulcers.
• Stress: Although stress doesn't cause ulcers, it can make them worse by increasing acid production and delaying healing.

Symptoms:

1. Pain: The most common symptom of a duodenal ulcer is a burning pain in the upper abdomen. The pain usually occurs between meals and at night.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Some people with duodenal ulcers experience nausea and vomiting.
3. Bloating and fullness: You may feel bloated or full after eating, even if you haven't eaten much.
4. Loss of appetite: You may not feel hungry or may feel full quickly after eating.

Treatment:

If you have a duodenal ulcer, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine. These medications may include:

• Proton pump inhibitors: These medications reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.
• H2 blockers: These medications reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.
• Antacids: These medications neutralize stomach acid.
• Antibiotics: If you have an H. pylori infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

In addition to medications, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms. These may include:

• Quitting smoking: If you smoke, quitting can help reduce your symptoms and promote healing.
• Avoiding NSAIDs: If you take NSAIDs regularly, your doctor may

  Diagnosis Codes for Duodenal ulcer | K26

  • K26.0, Acute duodenal ulcer with hemorrhage
  • K26.1, Acute duodenal ulcer with perforation
  • K26.2, Acute duodenal ulcer with both hemorrhage and perforation
  • K26.3, Acute duodenal ulcer without hemorrhage or perforation
  • K26.4, Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with hemorrhage
  • K26.5, Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with perforation
  • K26.6, Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with both hemorrhage and perforation
  • K26.7, Chronic duodenal ulcer without hemorrhage or perforation
  • K26.9, Duodenal ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation

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