Digestive system >>>> Duodenitis - signs and treatment

Duodenitis - signs and treatment.

The inflammatory process that develops in the mucous membrane of the duodenum and leads to its degenerative changes is called "duodenitis". Duodenitis can develop as an independent disease or accompanies the development of other diseases of the digestive system: gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, cholecystitis.

Duodenitis can be local in nature (the mucous membrane is partially damaged in any part of the duodenum) or diffuse, in which the inflammatory process captures the mucous membrane throughout the duodenum.

The causes of duodenitis, as an independent disease, are associated with a violation of the nature and diet (enthusiasm for too acidic, spicy or salty food, food with a high percentage of fat content, insufficient chewing, an irregular diet). Excessive enthusiasm for alcohol-containing drinks or drinks, which include tannins - tanning agents (strong teas, herbal infusions), can also contribute to the development of duodenitis.

It is assumed that the reasons for the development of duodenitis may be associated with an imbalance in the interaction of digestive factors such as enzymatic activity, the formation of acidity in the duodenum and the protective mechanisms of the cellular structures of the mucous membrane lining the duodenum.

Duodenitis, as a symptom of other diseases, is much more common. The factors of its development are infectious agents: bacteria (Helicobacter pylori), viruses (herpes infection), parasites (worms), protozoa (lamblia); chronic gastrointestinal disorders, diseases of the pancreas, liver and others.

Duodenitis is accompanied by mucosal atrophy (thinning of the mucous membrane, changes in its secretory functions up to their extinction) and a violation of its blood supply. Sometimes the mucous membrane of the duodenum undergoes erosive changes. Duodenitis can be the first step towards the development of a duodenal ulcer.

The signs of duodenitis often resemble those of gastritis:

Pain symptoms in the epigastric region (on an empty stomach or after eating), night pains,
Possible nausea, urge to vomit,
Diarrheal disorders,
Loss of appetite, weight loss,
Subfebrile temperature is possible,
Sometimes it is asymptomatic.

Diagnosis of duodenitis involves fluoroscopy, fibrogastroduodenoscopy, probing and studies of the secretory functions of the duodenum and stomach, laboratory diagnostics of the gastrointestinal microflora.

Treatment of duodenitis is based on drug therapy with agents that promote repair processes in the mucous membrane, enveloping agents that protect against the harmful effects of an active medium (acidic, alkaline), drugs - adsorbents and anti-inflammatory agents. Drug treatment is combined with a sparing diet, which involves a temporary exclusion from the diet of foods that irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa (too hot food and drinks, food that cause mechanical and chemical irritation, alcoholic beverages, fried and fatty foods).

If infectious agents are identified, appropriate antimicrobial or antiparasitic therapy is carried out.

The result of treatment is considered to subside the inflammatory processes and restore the functions of the mucous membrane of the duodenum.