Duodenitis

This is a descriptive term for inflammation in the duodenum, it is sometimes associated with duodenal ulceration. Inflammation may be due to loss of the mucosal barrier or to exposure of the duodenal lining to noxious chemicals such as alcohol or Non-steroidals which damage the normal protective barrier from luminal contents. Treatment depends upon avoidance of precipitating factors and eradication of underlying causes such as H.pylori.

 

Commonly mild dudenitis is entirely asymptomatic. More severe duodenitis may present with epigastric pain, haematemesis or unusually melaena. early satiety and bloating, perhaps due to ensuing dysmotility are also an occasional feature