home Adviсe Chronic duodenitis: causes, symptoms and treatment in adults, diet. Gastric duodenitis, what is it? Symptoms and treatment in adults Chronic duodenitis

Chronic duodenitis: causes, symptoms and treatment in adults, diet. Gastric duodenitis, what is it? Symptoms and treatment in adults Chronic duodenitis

Chronic duodenitis is a disease of the duodenum, in which the structure of the organ is disrupted and its upper layer is depleted. It often manifests itself due to other inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract or may be a consequence of poor nutrition. Because the disorder is chronic, it alternates between periods of exacerbation and remission of symptoms. That is why it is necessary to undergo long-term treatment and adhere to a special diet throughout life.

In medicine, there are several theories about whether it is worth using folk remedies in treatment or not, so you should not resort to self-therapy without first consulting with your doctor.

The main signs of the disease are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, increased sweating, and trembling of the fingers of the upper extremities. Despite the fact that this is one of the most common pathologies of the duodenum, as an independent disease it is quite rare - very often chronic duodenitis is accompanied. This disorder is more common in men than in women. This is due to the fact that such a disease is often the first sign of the onset, which very often affects the middle-aged male population.

Etiology

Since the occurrence of chronic duodenitis is closely related to other pathological processes of the gastrointestinal tract, there are many reasons why it can occur. These include:

, especially of a chronic nature;
difficult mobility of the pelvic organs;
inability to hold urine when there is a strong urge;
chronic gastritis - high acid content causes it to damage the intestinal walls. This leads to thinning of the mucous membrane;
chronic disorders of the functioning of organs such as the pancreas, liver and gallbladder;
Helicobacter pylori infection.

In addition, there are a number of factors that contribute to the expression of this disease:

prolonged exposure to stressful situations;
following strict diets;
allergic reactions to certain foods;
hormonal imbalance;
abuse of nicotine and alcoholic beverages;
excessive use of medications without the need or prescription of the attending physician;
eating a lot of spicy foods.

It is these predisposing factors, when exposed over a long period, that lead to disruption of blood supply to the organs involved in the digestive process. Because of this, their resistance to inflammatory processes decreases.

Varieties

Chronic duodenitis can occur in several forms:

superficial – minor, no more than three months, inflammation of the duodenal mucosa;
atrophic – in which thinning of the membrane occurs, which disrupts the secretion of this organ;
erosive - the appearance of erosions and small ulcers on the mucous membrane.

Depending on the spread of inflammation, chronic duodenitis can be:

total – the entire duodenum is affected;
limited - only some parts of the organ are exposed to the pathological process.

By phases:

exacerbation;
remission or resolution of symptoms.

Depending on which symptoms predominate, the disease is distinguished:

gastritis-like;
ulcer-like;
cholecyst-like;
pancreatic-like;
mixed;
hidden, in which a person may not be aware that he is a carrier of such an illness.

Symptoms

The course of chronic duodenitis is much easier than its other form. The pain in such cases is constant, but not pronounced. Other symptoms of a chronic disease include:

attacks of nausea ending in vomiting;
acute pain in the upper abdomen (increases after eating);
a significant decrease in appetite, which often leads to a decrease in body weight, sometimes to critical levels;
in some cases, pain from the epigastric region may move to the back;
severe dizziness;
general weakness of the body;
slight increase in body temperature;
the appearance of belching;
the skin and whites of the eyes acquire a yellowish tint;
trembling in the fingers of the upper limbs;
nervous system disorders;
increased sweating;
increase in heart rate;
the appearance of a white coating on the tongue;
diarrhea;
heartburn, regardless of the food consumed.

The disease most often manifests itself with several of the symptoms described above.

Diagnostics

In order for the doctor to prescribe the correct treatment, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis. It is not difficult for doctors to determine the presence of this disorder during examination, but since it has many forms and there are no specific symptoms, it is necessary to conduct additional examinations:

examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using gastroscopy;
a biopsy, in which a small piece of affected tissue is taken for subsequent laboratory tests;
Ultrasound – performed to determine the condition of internal organs;
study of gastric juice;
examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract;
probing;
a breath test that will help determine the presence of a bacterium such as Helicobacter pylori in the body;
PCR research will help establish the nature of the occurrence of this disease.

Treatment

Treatment of chronic duodenitis, similar to diagnosis, consists of a set of measures:

eliminating symptoms with various medications;
enriching the body with vitamins and proteins;
prescribing antidepressants (for long-term exacerbation);
following a special diet;
Treatment with folk remedies is possible only after approval of the advisability of their use by a doctor.

An important role in treatment is played by diet, which includes:

refusal of spicy and fatty foods;
eat food in small portions five to six times a day. Food should not be too hot or cold;
intake of lean meat and fish in any quantity;
first courses made from rice, buckwheat or semolina;
limited consumption of eggs. You can eat only hard-boiled eggs, or omelettes made exclusively from proteins;
dairy products and cottage cheese;
eat bread only in the form of dried bread or crackers;
drink large quantities of weak teas or fresh juices.

The diet prohibits the use of:

In addition to diet, you can use folk remedies, which include recipes from:

a mixture of aloe leaves, red wine and honey;
propolis and alcohol;
celery juice;
potato decoctions and juices;
sea buckthorn oil;
chamomile and dandelion tea;
valerian, anise fruit and calamus root;
decoction of calendula flowers;
oatmeal jelly.

But do not forget that folk remedies for the treatment of chronic duodenitis can only be used after consultation with a specialist.

Surgical treatment methods are used extremely rarely and only in cases where all of the above treatment methods have not helped.

Prevention

It is extremely important to carry out preventive measures for chronic duodenitis, as they will help to avoid frequent recurrence of exacerbations of symptoms. To do this you need:

lead a healthy lifestyle. Drinking alcohol and smoking are prohibited even in small quantities;
give up spicy and fatty foods and stick to a loose but effective diet;
promptly treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
undergo a preventive examination several times a year;
use folk remedies (after approval by your doctor).

Is everything in the article correct from a medical point of view?

Answer only if you have proven medical knowledge

Diseases with similar symptoms:

Jaundice is a pathological process, the formation of which is influenced by a high concentration of bilirubin in the blood. The disease can be diagnosed in both adults and children. Any disease can cause such a pathological condition, and they are all completely different.

By duodenitis, doctors mean a systemic inflammatory disease of either the mucous membrane of the duodenum or the organ itself.

There can be quite a few reasons for the occurrence of the above-described pathological condition. The most well-known are poisoning by toxic elements, penetration of food toxic infections into the organ, damage to the intestine by various foreign bodies, drinking alcoholic beverages and including too spicy foods in the regular diet.

Also, duodenitis can occur due to improper functioning of the intestinal hormonal system and its atypical position in the body. The disease often develops in childhood, but may not appear immediately, developing gradually and becoming chronic.

Helicobacter pylori, a “gastritis” bacterium, is considered to be a typical bacterial causative agent of the disease. It occurs in all age groups, regardless of human immunity and other factors, i.e. Hypothetically, the disease described above can manifest itself in anyone.

Symptoms

The symptoms of duodenitis differ depending on the type of disease, whether it occurs in acute or chronic form. For the acute phases of the disease, typical symptoms are considered to be:

Severe weakness
Vomiting with nausea
Pain in the gastrointestinal tract

Moreover, the disease itself almost always occurs against the background of an inflammatory process in the intestines or stomach. In some cases, when an erosive factor is connected or phlegmosis forms, the general condition of the patient can significantly worsen, ESR may increase, febrile conditions, leukocytosis and Shchetkin-Blumberg symptoms may occur. In this case, the muscles in the epigastric region become very tense and painful.

Symptoms of the acute phase of the disease can go away on their own even in the absence of treatment, while the problem flows into the chronic phase with the formation of complications - pancreatitis, intestinal bleeding and varying degrees of perforation of the walls of the duodenum.

With chronic duodenitis, a person feels heartburn, quite often vomiting with bile, squeezing pain in the spoon area, his appetite decreases and constipation appears. During periods of exacerbation of the problem, the above-described symptoms are also accompanied by night pain syndromes and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract between main meals.

It is noteworthy that it is almost impossible to diagnose the disease, despite the obvious external symptoms, often during the initial examination: the above-described manifestations are very similar to a number of gastrointestinal diseases, so the doctor can determine duodenitis only based on the results of a number of tests - in particular, ultrasound examination, duodenoscopy, examination stool, FGS with biopsy, radiography of the gastrointestinal tract, and pH measurements.

Classification

The two basic forms of duodenitis are acute and chronic diseases. However, they are divided into varieties.

Acute duodenitis

Catarrhal. The simplest type, easy to treat
Erosive-ulcerative. Requires complex treatment, in some cases surgery.
Phlegmonous. Extreme degree of acute gastritis, an advanced form of the disease, requiring immediate hospitalization and surgery - otherwise complications may develop.

Chronic duodenitis

This type of disease is classified according to the following characteristics.

The following options are available:

Papillitis. A disease that develops in a small area, often manifesting as peripapillary diverticulitis.
Bulbits. Clearly localized minor duodenitis of acidopeptic origin.
Combination of the underlying disease with enteritis and gastritis. It lasts longer and requires additional therapy.
Duodenitis with duodenostasis. A complex form of the disease requiring hospital treatment.

According to the endoscopic picture:

Surface. Does not affect the middle and deep layers of the intestine.
Atrophic. Most often, a combination of superficial disease with partial degeneration of the membranes.
Interstitial. Large-scale damage to the duodenum, requiring complex treatment.
Erosive-ulcerative. The most complex form of chronic duodenitis, requiring hospital treatment.

Treatment of duodenitis

Any type of disease, regardless of its form and type, can and should be treated!

What to do?

Acute forms of the disease in catarrhal and erosive-ulcerative forms, as a rule, do not require complex systemic therapy and can resolve within 3 days if a number of rules are followed.

First of all, this is a diet and a strict hospital regime. In the first two days, doctors recommend rinsing the stomach with a solution of potassium parchment, after which about thirty grams of magnesium sulfate diluted in 300 milliliters of clean water is taken on an empty stomach. From the second day, it is rational to take drugs that envelop the organ, and to neutralize pain, antispasmodics in the form of papaverine and drotaverine. Phlegmonous duodenitis usually requires treatment with antibiotics, hospital stay and sometimes surgery.

Chronic forms of the disease almost always require the presence of the patient in a hospital. The classic set of drugs for therapy is antibiotics (fighting Helicobacter pylori), intestinal coating drugs (sulfacrate), enzymes, chemotherapy drugs (in case of helminthiasis), antacids that reduce acidity (Maalox), choleretic drugs, as well as drugs that reduce the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the gastrointestinal tract (ranitidine).

In the treatment of chronic duodenitis, probing and shunting are used (the second in the presence of persistent impairment of organ motility), as well as conservative surgical intervention (mechanical obstructions, and other types of partial/complete obstruction of the duodenum). After the acute phase of the disease has passed, the doctor prescribes sanatorium/resort treatment for the patient, as well as comprehensive physiotherapy.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine knows its own methods of treating duodenitis. In particular, these are decoctions of rose hips, oats and nettles, sage infused with oak bark. The disease is also treated with decoctions of rose hips, yarrow and chamomile. Before using any such preparations, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your doctor and provide him with the full possible combinations of medicinal herbs that you intend to use.

Diet for illness

A properly selected diet for duodenitis is already half the success in recovery! The basic diet for the disease described above is designed for a course of two weeks. During this period, it is advisable to eat in fractional portions, 5-6 times a day.

Eliminate pickles, vegetables, fried and spicy foods, fresh baked goods, alcohol, soft bread and any other irritating foods from your regular diet. You can eat liquid porridges, simple soups made from semolina, rice and oatmeal, soft-boiled eggs, jelly from their berries/fruits, steamed omelettes.

After ten days, you can include steamed meat or fish cutlets and pureed soups in your diet.

Follow the above tips, follow your diet, listen to your doctor's opinion, quickly cope with the disease and live without hassle!

Useful video

In theory, both of these scenarios are considered equally likely. In fact, in the case of the gastrointestinal tract, this majority is formed over a long period of time. And it occurs in a chronic form, with periodic exacerbations. In the most general terms, we should also know that the prognosis for curing acute and chronic forms is very different. More precisely, an acute and ongoing disease is easier to diagnose, easier to establish its origin and, therefore, to cure. Chronic pathologies, as a rule, are formed under the influence of not one, but several factors at once. Often these factors have nothing to do with the gastrointestinal tract itself. Such pathologies take years to form and remain latent for a long time. They have to be treated in full accordance with the timing of their occurrence - also not a year or even five. Moreover, with rather low chances of complete relief, since this largely depends on the causes and the likelihood of their elimination.

Causes of duodenitis

Duodenitis as such is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the duodenum, not associated with its ulceration.

It can occur as an acute form, but is more common in a chronic form. Especially if duodenitis is diagnosed separately from stomach pathologies.

Most often, acute inflammation of the intestinal walls results from:

their infection a pathogen that entered the digestive tract with food;
taking substances with a weak (non-lethal) but pronounced poisonous effect. Most often, this scenario occurs when starting to take toxic herbs due to a diagnosis of cancer;
reception medical concentrates, spices or food additives can form duodenitis within two to three days.

There are incomparably more reasons for the appearance of chronic duodenitis. Among them:

Chronic duodenitis occurs as an independent disease in isolated cases. This is an exception.

And the rule is that either a clearly expressed perversion of taste leads to it, or it acts as a complication of other existing problems that we are not even trying to treat. Bad eating habits themselves can also cause it. But this happens over decades of abuse of the intestines.

It is impossible to cause duodenitis faster in this way. The habit of drinking natural coffee on an empty stomach and smoking also never lead to duodenitis. This statement is at odds with the prevailing misconception in society, but in reality, neither the intestines nor the pancreas come into direct contact with this kind of irritants. If tobacco smoke enters the esophagus, it is in negligible quantities. Its main content (nicotinic acid) is directly involved in the construction of cells lining the intestinal walls. And in the synthesis of a number of hormones that regulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. And all the carcinogenic elements of tobacco smoke settle either on the mucous membranes of the mouth or in the lungs.

So smoking as such for the digestive organs and intestines themselves acts as a positive rather than a negative factor. And it definitely does not cause any diseases of the digestive system. However, it can and does exacerbate existing problems. Mainly because they act as a strong stimulator of the activity of the digestive organs. Just like the caffeine contained in natural coffee. Of course, a natural or artificial increase in the activity of a diseased organ is one of the most powerful exacerbation factors. And therefore it is contraindicated for any pathologies, any localization - this prohibition is quite universal, and concerns not only the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of duodenitis

They can vary greatly depending on the origin and stage of the disease. Acute (i.e. rare) duodenitis is characterized by aching, cutting, nagging pain with uncertain localization. Patients point to the navel area and 5 cm above and below it, without displacement of pain to the side. Relief occurs after eating, after 20-40 minutes. Digestion is usually not disturbed or disturbed slightly. However, patients often experience constipation. An extensive process (especially with infection and helminthiasis) can affect the nerve endings in the intestinal walls and cause local atony. In such cases, complete or partial blockage of the intestines with food often occurs. This scenario occurs infrequently and is accompanied by acute, cramping pain, bloating, gas, vomiting, and complete cessation of bowel movements. As the condition drags on, gangrene may begin at the site of the blockage. Therefore, it requires immediate hospitalization and is treated surgically, sometimes with removal of a section of the intestine.

In most cases, duodenitis is manifested by a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the intestines on an empty stomach. These sensations may intensify in the morning and cause poor sleep before dawn. After breakfast, the discomfort subsides and resumes only after a few hours or during periods of long periods without food. This is the main difference between duodenitis and dysbiosis, in which a feeling of heaviness occurs during intestinal digestion, and not vice versa.

Treatment of duodenitis

It should be remembered that duodenitis is the initial stage of peptic ulcer disease.

One thing will follow another within a year or a year and a half. and we can have no doubt about it. However, duodenitis itself could arise as a consequence of gastritis, polyposis or ulcers - in this case, the stomach. Moreover, it often occurs against the background of malignant lesions of the stomach and pylorus. And sometimes it serves as the only early symptom by which one can determine the presence of a focus of malignancy in the stomach.

Duodenitis, as mentioned above, rarely occurs on its own. Therefore, it can be considered as a symptom not only of cancer, but also of a large number of other hidden diseases. Including those related to completely different organs and systems. Even less often, chronic duodenitis occurs as a consequence of only one cause. There are almost always several of them. And cases when a doctor is unable to reliably determine their entire list are by no means uncommon.

All this means that the approach to the treatment of duodenitis must be comprehensive. And it should begin with a thorough, comprehensive diagnosis. The fact is that duodenitis detected in time without foci of ulceration is treated quite simply. Even a simple healthy diet, started after a month on fresh and pureed food, is very effective against uncomplicated duodenitis. In six months we are guaranteed to forget about him. However, if the diagnosis is incorrect, we may soon remember again - and remember in a completely different context.

The main symptom of secondary duodenitis, one of the causes of which remained “behind the scenes” and was not taken into account in treatment, is a weak response to the measures taken. This means that the source or one of the sources has not been found and our efforts are in vain. Duodenitis usually responds well to treatment. If our case is persistent, we have every reason to worry. After all, cancer and all the processes launched due to its appearance are the most resistant to any treatment. One way or another, treatment of duodenitis can and should begin with medication and nutritional adjustments. Especially if its cause was a metabolic disorder, infection or helminthic infestation.

We should understand that traditional medicine is only considered ultra-effective, mega-safe, etc. In fact, this is far from the case. Traditional medicine often uses pastenia, which exceeds the degree of toxicity of any medical drug. For example, mistletoe, wild rosemary, hellebore, aconite, poison ivy... Only a specialist herbalist can work with plants of this kind. But even these plants, as a rule, are not able to help stop the reproduction of (already native, pathogenic organisms. Simply because these organisms, like our body, have their own biological defense mechanisms against destructive factors.

The human body can even survive chemotherapy and radiation exposure. This is possible because some of the cells of his body simply will not allow the poison and radioactive isotope into their internal space, beyond the membrane that separates each cell from the external environment like a shield. And such forethought will give the cell a chance to survive. Both a virus and a bacterium can do the same. Therefore, neither ordinary nor poisonous herbs are used to stop their growth. They can be even less affected by magnetic fields, “living” and “dead” water, the “aura” of stones and metals, and additional trace elements in the diet.

Only special, intracellular antibiotics can kill pathogens by stopping their reproduction. And in nature there are no analogues for them. Therefore, if duodenitis is of a helminthic or infectious nature, it is necessary to begin the fight against it with effective means. If a specific pathogen is not detected, it is permissible to start with herbs with a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. They must be taken in decoctions, orally.

Until a complete examination for pathologies of other digestive organs, it is better to refrain from using drugs that regulate their functioning. For example, herbs for cleansing the liver, spleen, choleretic decoctions and mixtures, etc. After all, it is quite possible that our duodenitis is a consequence of a deficiency of digestive enzymes or bile. We will start choleretic drugs and end up in the hospital, because the cause of everything was cholelithiasis. That the problem, simply put, is not in the amount of bile secreted - it is already synthesized in excess, nothing should have been stimulated here. It is that the secreted bile cannot enter the intestines due to blockage of the duct with a stone...

Again, if the cause of duodenitis is a disease of another organ (liver, pancreas, stomach), it is necessary to start by restoring its functions. As treatment progresses, duodenitis will most likely go away on its own - completely or with minimal intervention on our part. And sometimes treating the causative pathology without medications is simply not feasible. For example, gallstone disease will require removing stones and relieving inflammation. And only then will it be possible to start using choleretic drugs - be it drugs or herbs.

A separate topic is pancreatic pathology. If we have diabetes mellitus (congenital type I or acquired type II), duodenitis and pancreatitis have always been, are and will be the most common part of the accompanying “bouquet”. We should always be wary of them, but we cannot completely get rid of this threat - diabetes, alas, is incurable. And inflammation in the pancreas and intestines in diabetes often becomes the result of a secondary infection, since this disease strongly interferes with the functioning of the immune system, knocking it down. In the end, if our duodenitis is caused by excessive secretion of gastric juice (one of the types of gastritis or a congenital disorder), there is only one “natural” way to treat it. It consists of constant consumption of baking soda - sodium bicarbonate.

The method has several disadvantages. Firstly, it involves constant intake of a soda solution, at least once an hour. This means that a glass of water and a tablet or a teaspoon will become our permanent “life companions.” Secondly, the reaction of quenching an acid with an alkali produces not only water, but also carbon dioxide. Gas that will exit through the esophagus with a characteristic belching. We agree that the prescription of antacids (drugs that inhibit the production of gastric juice) in this regard gives a much more stable result.

However, there are exceptions to the “start with medications” rule. The first and most severe of them is suspicion of drug-induced duodenitis. In this case, the doctor also often prescribes medications to treat it. But it is wiser for us to refuse them, even if they contain at least a hundred times completely different active ingredients and bases... Because these are again the same drugs that caused the disease.

The second mandatory measure is to completely stop taking the medications that we have been regularly using for the last six months. At least for a while. If with their help we “silenced” symptoms whose origin we did not have time to establish, the time has finally come to do this. After all, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and symptomatic drugs like paracetamol and aspirin do not and cannot act on the cause of the disease. They only soften its manifestations. Meanwhile, the pathology continues to progress.

Finally, if we are treated consciously, knowing the cause, we can try to change the drug or the form of its administration. For example, switch to injections, inhalations, ointments, suppositories. But this should be done only after consultation with your doctor.

What it is? Duodenitis is an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the duodenum (duodenum), causing structural changes in the mucous membrane and leading to functional disorders of the organ. According to statistics, more than 10% of the population have experienced symptoms of duodenitis - this is the most common pathology of the initial part of the small intestine.

People of different age categories are susceptible to the disease. It is twice as common in men who are addicted to alcohol and prone to a “reckless” lifestyle. Women have a hard time enduring pathology. In them it is accompanied by pathological processes in the endocrine glands and central nervous system.

Provoke the development of duodenitis:

food poisoning and infections;
frequent consumption of provocative foods (fried, fatty, salty, smoked);
alcohol or its substitutes;
dry food and damage to the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall by a foreign body.

In addition, inflammatory reactions in the mucous membranes of the walls of the duodenum can be a consequence of ascariasis, giardia, or tuberculosis, ENT infections and gallbladder infections.

A consequence of possible complications of certain diseases (damage to the gastric mucosa, inflammatory pathologies in the gallbladder, ulcerative lesions of chronic renal failure). Most often, the impetus for the development of duodenitis is gastritis, although the influence of food allergies cannot be ruled out.

Symptoms of duodenitis, clinical signs

According to the stage and duration of clinical signs, duodenitis is characterized by acute and chronic course.

Acute duodenitis

A prerequisite for the rapid development of acute duodenitis is poisoning or a love of oriental spicy dishes. Against their background, inflammatory reactions on the mucous surface of the duodenum provoke the formation of ulcerative and erosive foci, sometimes ulcerative cavities filled with pus (phlegmon) form on the surface layer of the intestine. Symptoms of duodenitis in adults at the acute stage appear:

Acute pain in the stomach area;
Digestive disorder;
Vomiting, nausea and weakness.

The development of an acute process is almost always provoked by inflammatory reactions in the intestines or stomach. This is often diagnosed as gastric duodenitis, which is fundamentally wrong; inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach cavity has its own name - gastritis.

A provocative role contributing to the development of pathological inflammatory reactions in the mucous structure of the duodenum is played by impaired mobility or peristalsis, which makes it difficult for the thickened contents of the small intestine to move to the outlet (duodenostasis).

If the treatment is correctly selected and the patient follows a gentle diet, the inflammatory process in the duodenum stops quite quickly. But, in the case of repeated inflammation of the intestinal walls, the chronic stage of the disease develops.

Chronic duodenitis - HD

The chronic stage of the disease is characterized by prolonged inflammatory reactions in the lower part of the small intestine. The disease periodically worsens or occurs with mild symptoms, sometimes with their complete absence.

It can occur independently (exogenously), as a primary disease, or be secondary (endogenous), against the background of various provocative factors (malnutrition, bad habits, inflammatory pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract).

The disease is classified according to the nature of the lesion:

Non-atrophic (superficial).
Hypertrophic (erosive).
Atrophic.

According to localization - lesions of the proximal (central) and distal parts of the duodenum. Manifests itself in multiple clinical forms:

gastritis-like;
ulcer-like;
cholecyst-like;
pancreatic;
mixed and asymptomatic.

The most distinct symptoms of chronic duodenitis appear in the phase of severe exacerbation of the disease. The following are distinguished: pain syndromes associated with gastrointestinal pathologies (abdominal), with intestinal and gastric disorders (dyspepsia), due to general disorders.

The genesis of pain symptoms is closely related to duodenostasis syndrome - a pathological change in the motor-evacuation function of the duodenum, which provokes increased sensitivity of the mucous walls of the intestine:

acidic residues of stomach contents, with insufficient processing;
changes in the hydrolysis of bile and pancreatic secretions;
functional disorders of the bile and Wirsungian duct (pancryotic);
exposure to toxins of bacterial microorganisms.

The pronounced nature of exacerbations of HD is almost always accompanied by signs of the “lazy stomach” syndrome, caused by concomitant processes - chronic gastritis, local defects (LD) of gastroduodenal ulcers and reflux duodenitis. General symptoms of chronic duodenitis appear:

Malaise and chronic fatigue;
Deterioration in performance;
Apathy towards food and aversion to a certain group of foods;
Impaired coordination of movements and migraines;
Irritability and unstable mood
Sleep disturbance and anxiety;
Increased sweating or chilliness;
Hypotension and pathological heart rhythm disturbances.

The abdominal symptoms of DNA itself depend on the location of the inflammatory processes and have their own characteristic features.

Superficial non-atrophic duodenitis

duadenitis photo

Caused by minor inflammatory reactions in the mucous membranes of the distal small intestine, lasting more than three months. The pathogenic factor causes structural compaction in the intestinal walls and the formation of corrugated folds on them.

The disease is provoked by external provoking factors with accompanying signs of fundic (damage to the body or fundus of the stomach) gastritis.
Symptoms of superficial duodenitis are expressed by pain, which usually occurs when eating or immediately after it. Accompanied by:

increase in temperature indicators;
soreness in the abdomen and around the umbilical area;
intoxication symptoms (vomiting, nausea).

Hypertrophic (erosive) duodenitis

It is characterized by a superficial defect in the intestinal mucosa due to erosive lesions. In addition to external factors, the catalyst for development can be surgical interventions on internal organs, sepsis, thrombotic lesions of the veins, diseases of the central nervous system and blood.

In the phase of exacerbation of superficial antral gastritis, in the proximal duodenum, a pain symptom can manifest itself as an ulcer-like symptom, one and a half, two hours after eating, in a state of hunger, or during night sleep. The next portion of food and treatment of symptoms of duodenitis relieve pain (mainly with antacid drugs).

When the distal parts are affected, the disease manifests itself with pain symptoms similar to the signs of pathological damage to the pancreas and bile ducts. Soreness manifests itself in the epigastric zone, manifesting itself as an increase in symptoms after eating meat, milk or sweets.

The cholecyst-like variant of the disease is characterized by pain in the right zone from the navel, radiating to the hypochondrium on the same side, and the pancreatic variant is characterized by pain in the epigastric region, or in the left zone from the navel, gradually spreading to the lumbar region.

Treatment with myogenic antispasmodic drugs and a special diet reduces the pain syndrome of this form of erosive duodenitis.

In case of motor-evacuation disorders, the pain syndrome can manifest itself in paroxysms or be present constantly. Localized in the right umbilical zone or in the epigastric (epigastric) zone, accompanied by rumbling and a feeling of bloating.

Pain is especially pronounced when the serous covering of the duodenum is affected. They are constantly present and worsen with movement and shaking.

Duodenitis with atrophic course

Causes damage to the glands in the upper part of the small intestine, which provokes disorders in the secretory function of the duodenum and a decrease in the production of digestive juice. The intestinal mucosa becomes very thin.

The addition of enteritis with manifestations of microflora imbalance and disturbances in the patency of the upper intestine (duodenostasis) is almost always expressed by heaviness in the stomach and a feeling of fullness, bloating, gas formation and weak stools.

In pathological processes in the pancreas, digestive disorders and serious processes of atrophic gastritis, symptoms of atrophic duodenitis are marked by signs of disturbances in metabolic processes and symptoms of vitamin deficiency - weight loss, dry skin, brittle nails and hair.

With severe dysfunction of the bile ducts, yellowing of the skin and sclera occurs. A yellowish or yellowish-whitish coating appears on the surface of the tongue.

The disease is diagnosed based on the results of gastroscopy. Additional techniques include:

X-ray contrast examination of the stomach and upper large intestine;
biochemistry of blood and gastric secretions;
determination of acidity level;
Coptogram;
biopsy analysis if a malignant process is suspected.

Treatment of chronic duodenitis is carried out depending on the clinical manifestations.

The patient is recommended to rest and fast for two days. If necessary, gastric and intestinal lavage is performed. Adsorbent preparations are recommended, and a therapeutic diet - pureed and steamed dishes - not hot or cold. In case of phlegmonous course, antibiotics or surgical intervention.

In the acute stage, patients with chronic duodenitis are treated in an inpatient setting. Therapy is selected based on the presence of background pathologies that caused the disease.

The main factor in prevention is a properly balanced diet and moderation of bad habits. Contribute to the prevention of disease - timely examination and treatment of pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract, use of medications only for their intended purpose.

Preventing relapses is possible only with regular examination and monitoring of the condition by a doctor.

About duodenitis talk when there are problems with the duodenum. The key manifestations for this pathological process are considered to be negative changes in the condition of the mucous membrane. These include: atrophy, emerging inflammatory processes, erosion.

This organ (duodenum), being an important component of the digestive system, largely ensures its normal functioning.

Food products that get there are subject to specific processing by digestive juices that are produced by the pancreas. In addition, the presence of food here can be considered a preparatory stage before its further absorption.

Do not forget that thanks to the duodenum, a certain list of hormones is produced that help maintain the normal functioning of the entire digestive system.

In addition, these hormones are actively involved in numerous metabolic processes in the body.

So, in this article, we will try to talk in more detail about duodenitis, understand what kind of disease it is, and most importantly, how to treat it.

Causes of duodenitis

The disease can be an integral companion of many serious diseases of the digestive system, among which the following can be noted:

inflammatory phenomena affecting the pancreas
gallbladder inflammation processes
peptic ulcer
allergic reaction to certain foods
numerous stomach problems, including gastritis
various liver diseases

However, on the other hand, such difficulties in the duodenum may be a separate, independent disease.

The list of factors that can provoke the occurrence of duodenitis is quite extensive, here are the most fundamental:

Helicobacter bacterium
frequent stressful situations
large-scale ignorance of the basics of a healthy diet (excessive abuse of spicy, fried foods, all kinds of “fast food”)
bad habits, especially “friendly” relationships with alcoholic beverages and tobacco products

Since such a disease actively develops precisely against the backdrop of a surge of emotions and strong stress shocks, in many cases, duodenitis is diagnosed in people who have a weakened autonomic nervous system.

The main danger of duodenitis is that in the absence of timely, qualified treatment, there is a high probability of developing into an ulcer.

There are two main forms of the disease: acute and chronic.

The first can be characterized by pronounced symptoms inherent in acute inflammation. Acute duodenitis, usually occurring in conjunction with acute inflammation of the intestines and stomach, can appear:

Catarrhal, that is, when the disease affects exclusively the mucous membrane itself. Wherein mucous membrane the wall of the duodenum does not undergo significant structural changes in its composition, erosion is not observed.
An erosive-ulcerative variety, which is characterized by the formation of wounds, possibly even numerous, on the affected areas of the mucous membrane.
Atrophied - when a significant thinning of the mucous membrane occurs, with a gradual “fading” of its secretory function.
Finally, the last type poses a much greater danger - phlegmonous, characterized by pronounced negative symptoms: a rapid deterioration in health, excessive tension of the gastric muscles, fever, and abdominal pain increase sharply. Essentially, this is an acute purulent inflammation of the intestinal wall. It is extremely rare on its own and can actively develop in people with low bactericidal ability of gastric juice.

Unfortunately, surgical treatment is indicated; possible complications may include:

acute form of pancreatitis
perforation of the intestinal wall

As for the first three points, as a rule, their development is not so critical; the result of treatment in the vast majority of cases is positive.

After timely treatment, pain completely disappears, approximately after a few days.

But the situation with phlegmonous duodenitis is much more complicated.

The chronic stage of the disease is a very long process, with possible episodes of relapse, in which the focus of inflammation makes quite negative changes in the structure of the mucous membrane.

In the vast majority of patients, the disease is prescribed for a long time, acquiring a chronic course. The male half of the population is susceptible to the disease twice as often as the female half.

The chronic form of the disease is divided into primary and secondary. Primary duodenitis is a consequence of an illiterate, irresponsible approach to the issue of nutrition and is rare.

But secondary duodenitis is a much more “popular” phenomenon, and its development is observed in conjunction with other inflammatory diseases of the digestive organs already present in the body’s “arsenal”. For example, this list includes chronic gastritis.

Unsatisfactory activity duodenum, due to intestinal obstruction and poor peristalsis, is one of the key circumstances provoking the rapid development of secondary duodenitis. This condition is called duodenostasis.

Symptoms of duodenitis

The key symptoms are distinguished by their versatility, here are the most basic signs:

significant pain that occurs in the stomach area, especially intensifying at night
, systematically a feeling of bitterness in the mouth
general weakening of the body
heartburn is likely
in some cases headaches may occur
constipation
belching
increased heart rate

Treatment of duodenitis

An integrated approach to the therapeutic process is extremely important to achieve a positive result. The main tasks during treatment are:

Carrying out appropriate measures aimed at the complete elimination of the Helicobacter bacteria.
Taking protective measures to preserve the mucous membrane of the duodenal wall. For example, reducing the secretion of hydrochloric acid, using drugs with enveloping properties.
Normalization of digestive processes through the use of enzyme medications.
If the culprit is considered to be present (giardiasis, helminthiasis), then chemotherapy appropriate to the situation will most likely be prescribed.

All of the above will help fight the disease in chronic duodenitis.

If it is determined that duodenostasis is the culprit of intestinal problems, then initially it is necessary to accurately diagnose the true cause of its manifestation.

For example, when the basis of the problem lies in the disruption of the normal functioning of the digestive organs, they try to adhere to a conservative approach to the therapeutic process. Drugs are used that “fetter” bile, promoting its secretion.

Duodenal intubation and intestinal lavage are highly effective.

However, it should be remembered that our body does not have “extra spare parts”. It is advisable that the intestines remove all unnecessary waste on its own.

Of course, it is permissible to carry out intestinal irrigations only after a preliminary, thorough examination.

It is worth considering the fact that it can provoke the occurrence of dysbacteriosis.

When intestinal adhesions or any other mechanical barriers form that are not covered by conventional therapy, surgical intervention is resorted to.

Nutrition for duodenitis

A properly selected nutritional diet can confidently be considered the most important condition for a successful treatment process. For ten days, the most gentle mode of food consumption is strongly recommended. The number of meals should not be less than four, the portions are small.

A complete ban is imposed on products that, even to the slightest extent, can provoke an irritating reaction of the mucous membrane. This includes: any fried, spicy, salty foods, flour products, vegetables. At the same time, the category of acceptable products includes:

slimy soups based on semolina and oatmeal
liquid porridge
no more than two soft-boiled eggs per day
steamed omelettes
jelly

After about ten days, a slight expansion of the nutritional range is allowed by moderately adding pureed soups, fish or meat cutlets, steamed, of course, to the diet. A further increase in the list of permitted products should be carried out only after agreement with the attending physician, however, it is necessary to forget about spicy foods that irritate the mucous membrane for a long time - this is clear. Of course, drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly unacceptable.

Diagnostics

Since the development of this disease is distinguished by its diversity, and in terms of external symptoms there are clear similarities with other intestinal diseases, the basis for an accurate diagnosis are: FGDS, duodenoscopy, X-ray of the stomach, duodenum, blood tests, stool, ultrasound.

It is worth clarifying that in case of phlegmonous form, FGDS is contraindicated.

As for herbal medicine, for this disease, it should be considered exclusively as a secondary therapeutic measure. After all, herbs are also very strong medicines, and adherence to strict dosage is one of the conditions for successful treatment. However, I will still give one recipe that I know personally.

An infusion based on sage and wormwood may be very useful. You need to take a 1:3 ratio of sage leaf and wormwood herb. Fill with boiling water, leave for half an hour, and then filter. Take 50 ml, four times a day.

Key preventive tasks against a disease called duodenitis are the following:

If possible, protect the body as much as possible from stressful situations and excessive emotional shocks
Fully comply with all dietary recommendations
timely treatment of other diseases that can become a bright background for the development of duodenitis

Take an interest in your health in a timely manner, goodbye.