Diseases

Duodenal Ulcer

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A crater (ulcer) in the lining of the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). Ulcer formation Is caused by infection with helicobacter pylori. Other factors predisposing a person to ulcersinclude anti-inflammatory medications and cigarette smoking.

SYMPTOMS

Severe symptoms include:

Blood in the stool or stool that appears dark and/or tarry
Difficulty breathing
Feeling faint or losing consciousness
Vomiting blood
Seek emergency medical attention if you feel stomach pain and any of the symptoms above

CAUSES

It is the most common cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers. This bacterium damages the mucus that protects your stomach and small intestine, allowing for stomach acid to burn through. An estimated 30 to 40 percent of americans get h. pylori, according to the national institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases (niddk).
It’s unclear how this bacterium spreads, but researchers believe it’s mostly through unclean food, water, and eating utensils. People who carry h. pylori can also spread it through direct contact.
Many people get this bacterial infection as a child, but it rarely develops into a peptic ulcer. In fact, most people don’t see symptoms until they’re older, if at all.