duodenitis Duodenitis refers to the acute or chronic inflammation of the duodenal mucosa caused by various reasons. Patients may experience symptoms such as upper abdominal distension, heartburn, belching, nausea, hunger pain, nocturnal pain, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Clinically, it is divided into primary and secondary types. Primary duodenitis is more common and may be associated with consumption of irritating foods, alcohol, medication, and H. pylori infection.

Duodenitis refers to acute or chronic inflammation of the duodenal mucosa caused by various reasons. Patients may experience symptoms such as upper abdominal distension, acid reflux, belching, nausea, hunger pain, nighttime pain, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Clinically, it is divided into primary and secondary types. Primary duodenitis is more common and may be related to the consumption of irritating foods, alcohol intake, medication, and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Primary Duodenitis

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it may be associated with the consumption of irritating foods, alcohol intake, medication (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and Helicobacter pylori infection. This condition may also be associated with other diseases of the duodenum or peripheral organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, often coexisting with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and other conditions.

Secondary Duodenitis

Mostly caused by diseases such as intestinal tuberculosis, parasites (hookworms, Giardia lamblia, etc.), fungi, and eosinophilic gastroenteritis, which affect the duodenum and cause specific inflammation.

Diet

Frequent consumption of irritating foods, irregular eating habits, long-term alcohol consumption, and unhygienic diet may exacerbate Helicobacter pylori infection, leading to duodenal mucosal damage and inflammation.

Medication

Patients with pre-existing digestive system diseases, when using aspirin, acetaminophen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time, may cause certain damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, which can trigger or exacerbate duodenitis.

Smoking

Various toxic substances produced after tobacco combustion can significantly irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the breakdown of duodenal protective function. At the same time, it can increase the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection and increase duodenal acid load, ultimately causing inflammation.

Upper abdominal pain

It may manifest as pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or below the xiphoid process. The nature of the pain is similar to duodenal bulb ulcer, and the pain episodes are rhythmic and recurrent, often presenting as burning pain, hunger pain, nighttime pain, with symptoms being more pronounced on an empty stomach, but usually relieved after eating.

Digestive discomfort symptoms

Such as easy satiety, acid reflux, heartburn, belching, nausea, and vomiting.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding

A small number of severe cases may present with symptoms of melena or hematemesis. Some patients may have no other discomfort and only seek medical attention due to melena.

Duodenitis belongs to the category of "epigastric pain" in traditional Chinese medicine. It can be treated with Chinese herbal medicine for relief, such as Chai Hu, Zhi Ke, Bai Shao, Gan Cao, Chuan Xiong, Xiang Fu, Chen Pi, Yu Jin, Mu Xiang, and Bai Zhu; severe pain patients can also add Yuan Hu; for acid reflux, Wuzegu, Dabei, and calcined Waelongzi can be added; for hematemesis and melena, Sanqi powder, Bai Ji, Sheng Ou Jie, Di Yu Tan, and Pu Huang Tan can be added.

During regular treatment, if there is abdominal pain or discomfort, attention can be diverted through deep breathing exercises, listening to music, or engaging in conversation to reduce the sensation of pain. If the pain persists, applying heat packs can help alleviate the discomfort. In case of severe symptoms, bed rest is recommended.

Develop a scientific diet plan, follow the principle of eating small and frequent meals, chew food thoroughly, and avoid overeating. Avoid snacking between meals and eating right before bedtime to regulate gastric acid secretion. Once the symptoms improve, return to a normal eating routine as soon as possible.

The diet should not be overly filling, and easily digestible, high-calorie, protein-rich, and vitamin-rich foods should be chosen, such as eggs, chicken, fish, etc., to promote healing of the duodenal mucosa. Avoid excessive consumption of cholesterol and fatty substances, such as animal liver, etc.

Develop good lifestyle habits, quit smoking and limit alcohol, and maintain personal hygiene.

Balance work and rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and ensure an adequate amount of sleep.

Maintain regular eating habits, eat meals at scheduled times, eat small amounts multiple times a day, and avoid overeating.

Avoid taking medications that can damage the gastric mucosa, such as aspirin and acetaminophen, on an empty stomach. It is best to take them after meals or concurrently with gastric mucosal protectants.

Follow medical advice for proper medication use, do not stop or reduce medication without consulting a doctor, and learn to observe the efficacy and adverse reactions of the medication. If there is worsening abdominal pain, vomiting, melena, etc., it indicates the aggravation of gastrointestinal diseases, and medical attention should be sought promptly.

The diet should mainly consist of non-irritating and easily digestible foods, avoiding the consumption of raw, cold, greasy, and spicy foods that can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, and abstaining from alcohol to prevent damage to the duodenal mucosal barrier.

If there are other Helicobacter pylori-infected individuals in the household, precautions should be taken to avoid cross-infection, and it is advisable to use separate dining utensils and not share dishes and chopsticks.

Actively treat diseases of peripheral organs to avoid inappropriate medications causing duodenitis.