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Home > Educational Information > Duodenal Ulcer [printable version]
WHAT IS DUODENAL ULCER?
A Duodenal Ulcer is a circular break in the lining of the duodenum (lower part of the stomach). The duodenal ulcer is the most common form of peptic ulcer disease. The incidence has been rising since the 1950's with currently 200,00 to 400,000 new cases each year. Males are 1.4 to 3 times more likely than females to develop a duodenal ulcer. The incidence increases with age until approximately age 60.
WHAT CAUSES DUODENAL ULCERS?
People with duodenal ulcers secrete more gastric juices, and may be unable to stop the secreation of these juices. Recently the organism Helicobacter pylori has been implicated as a possible cause and that treatment with antibiotics result in lower relapse rates of ulcers at 1 year.
WHAT TREATMENT IS NECESSARY ?
Prescribed medications along with antacids have successfully treated the disease. Stay away from spicy foods, coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), tea, 80-proof alcohol, smoking, and aspirin. Get plenty of rest, and stay away from bedtime snacks.
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