Duodenitis , gastritis and other diseases of the digestive system, infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, malnutrition and lifestyle contribute to the inflammation of the mucous membranes and the appearance of deep defects in them. As a consequence, there is an ulcer of the duodenum - the symptoms of the pathology are quite specific, so the diagnosis does not cause difficulties and allows timely treatment of the disease.
What are the symptoms and signs of a duodenal ulcer?
The described ailment has a wavy course, in which the periods of remission are replaced by exacerbations.
In the first case, clinical manifestations are usually absent, especially if a person adheres to the diet and recommendations of the gastroenterologist.
If the ulcer recurs, the following symptoms are observed:
- nausea;
- heartburn ;
- belching with a sour taste;
- flatulence;
- insomnia;
- acute feeling of hunger, literally 2-3 hours after eating;
- weight loss;
- frequent stools;
- constipation, alternating with diarrhea;
- yellow coating on the tongue;
- irritability;
- seasonality of exacerbations (spring, autumn);
- malaise and weakness.
A special sign of the ulcer of the duodenal ulcer is pain syndrome. Its nature and duration should be considered separately.
Pain as a specific symptom of an ulcer of the duodenum
In the diagnosis of pathology, the described clinical manifestation is given special attention. Characteristic features of the pain syndrome - its appearance at night, about 2 hours, and in a state of hunger, in 2-4 hours even after a dense meal ("night" and "hungry" pain).
Unpleasant sensations are concentrated in the navel, the epigastric zone or in the region of the right side, hypochondrium. Pain can radiate into the right arm, back, waist. This syndrome is also characterized by the appearance of discomfort behind the sternum, between the shoulder blades, in the region of the heart.
It is worth noting that the pain is greatly enhanced after drinking alcoholic beverages, inaccuracies in the diet, with inadequate rest and sleep disorders.
Symptoms of severe exacerbation of duodenal ulcer
If no therapeutic measures are taken from the first signs of the disease in question, the defects in the mucosa of the duodenum will be deepened. This can lead to worsening of the general condition, as well as perforation of the ulcer, when the organ wall is damaged through and through. This phenomenon is accompanied by a strong and profuse vomiting, which contributes to the normalization of well-being.
Among the symptoms of perforated ulcer of the duodenum, the most dangerous is bleeding. Its signs:
- impurities of blood in fecal masses (usually - liquid);
- rapid decrease in blood pressure;
- vomiting with a lot of blood;
- loss of consciousness;
- a rapid increase in body temperature, which indicates the progression of the inflammatory process.
If you do not provide medical assistance during this period, the outcome can be very sad.
Other clinical manifestations of acute relapse of peptic ulcer are constriction of the pylorus and subsequent penetration. In this case, the defect of the organ is so deep that it damages through and through not only the mucous membranes of the duodenum, but also sprouts into neighboring organs and tissues. Symptoms of this condition:
- Sharp stitching in the abdomen, usually unbearable;
- repeated bloody vomiting, after which it does not become easier;
- fuzzy consciousness, nonsense is possible;
- strong muscular weakness;
- frequent attacks of diarrhea with the release of blood.
In such situations urgent medical aid and surgical intervention are necessary, since a lethal outcome of exacerbation of peptic ulcer is likely.