Duodenal ulcers are a common cause of abdominal pain. Once treated, they usually get better in a matter of weeks. Show
A duodenal ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the duodenum. Your duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. This is the part of your digestive system that food travels through, after it leaves your stomach. You can get an ulcer in your stomach as well as in your duodenum. Stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers are both types of peptic ulcers. If you have either of these, you have what's called 'peptic ulcer disease'. A duodenal ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the duodenum.What causes duodenal ulcers?Your stomach makes a strong acid that helps you digest food and kills germs. The cells of the stomach and duodenum make a barrier from mucus, to protect themselves against this acid. If the mucus barrier is damaged, an ulcer can form. The main cause of this damage is infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. The bacteria can cause the lining of your duodenum to become inflamed and an ulcer can form. Some medications can also cause duodenal ulcers, particularly anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin. It is rare that other medicines or medical conditions cause an ulcer. There are some lifestyle factors that may make you more likely to get a duodenal ulcer, such as:
However, these things are less important than infection with H. pylori. What are the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer?If you have a duodenal ulcer, you might:
Your stomach pain may come and go. It can often be relieved by eating or taking an antacid. Very occasionally, an ulcer can cause serious complications. Go to the emergency department if:
If you have these symptoms, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. If you are concerned about symptoms, you can use healthdirect's online Symptom Checker. This can give you advice on the next appropriate healthcare steps and when to seek medical attention. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — If you’re worried a health condition might be causing your incontinence, check out your symptoms on healthdirect’s Symptom Checker. How are duodenal ulcers diagnosed?To diagnose a duodenal ulcer, your doctor will talk to you and examine you. They will probably also run some tests to find out if you have a H. pylori in your body. These tests may include:
Your doctor may also conduct a gastroscopy. This is also called an endoscopy. A specialist doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to look inside your stomach and duodenum. If you have a gastroscopy, your surgeon might take a sample of tissue (a biopsy) to test for H. pylori. How are duodenal ulcers treated?If your ulcer is caused by H pylori, the usual treatment is 'triple therapy'. This involves taking 2 antibiotics and a medicine. The antibiotics kill the bacteria, while the medicine reduces the acid made by your stomach. If you don't have an H. pylori infection, and you have been using anti-inflammatory drugs, you will need to stop taking them (if possible). You will also need to start taking a drug to reduce the acid production in your stomach. You can make some other changes to improve your symptoms, such as: Relief can also come by reducing your intake of:
Can duodenal ulcers be prevented?H. pylori is often present in childhood, but adults can also be infected. Practicing good hygiene can help prevent infection. What are the complications of duodenal ulcers?If left untreated, your duodenal ulcers may get worse. This can cause other complications, such as:
These complications require emergency treatment, and can cause sharp pain, bloody vomit, or bloody faeces (poo). Resources and supportIf you are concerned about your symptoms, you can use Healthdirect's online Symptom Checker, or call the Healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222. Join NURSING.com to watch the full lesson now. Join NURSING.com to watch the full lesson now. Join NURSING.com to watch the full lesson now.
Peptic Ulcer Disease NCLEX Review and Nursing Care Plans Peptic Ulcer Disease is a medical condition that involves the formation of open sores or ulcers on the stomach’s lining and/or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). Most patients with peptic ulcer disease PUD have stomach pain as the first symptom. Both gastric and duodenal ulcers can be caused by the infection of the bacteria H.pylori, which is usually considered as a part of the normal flora of the upper digestive tract. Contrary to common belief, spicy foods do not result to peptic ulcers, but they can aggravate the symptoms and make them even worse. The same is true with having high stress levels. Signs and Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Long-term or severe symptoms include:
Causes and Risk Factors of Peptic Ulcer DiseaseThe stomach and the rest of the gastro-intestinal tract has a mucous layer that acts as a coating to protect the tissues from the damage that the stomach acid might cause. However, increased stomach acid and/or the destruction of this coating may result to the development of peptic ulcers. H. pylori is a bacterium that can normally be found in the upper GI tract in 3 out of 4 people. It can produce an enzyme called urease that can neutralize the stomach acid, thus weakening the stomach lining. Close contact such as kissing, as well as food and water are the probable method of transmission of H. pylori. Regular use of pain medications, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause irritation and eventual inflammation of the stomach and small intestine’s lining. Steroids, low-dose aspirin, anticoagulants, and other medications, when taken with NSAIDs, may increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers. Smoking, eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol, and chronic stress may worsen the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. Complications of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease
2. Lifestyle changes. Smoking cessation and reduced alcohol intake can prevent worsening of ulcer symptoms. Consistent stress management and avoidance of spicy foods should also be included to promote ulcer healing. Nursing Diagnosis for Peptic Ulcer DiseasePeptic Ulcer Nursing Care Plan 1Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements related to abdominal pain secondary to Peptic Ulcer Disease, as evidenced by burning stomach pain, bloating, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn Desired Outcome: The patient will be able to achieve a weight within his/her normal BMI range, demonstrating healthy eating patterns and choices.
Peptic Ulcer Nursing Care Plan 2Nursing Diagnosis: Acute Pain related to abdominal muscle spasms secondary to peptic ulcer disease as evidenced by pain score of 10 out of 10, verbalization of chest pain or heartburn after eating, guarding sign on the chest or abdomen Desired Outcome: The patient will demonstrate relief of pain as evidenced by a pain score of 0 out of 10, stable vital signs, and absence of restlessness.
Peptic Ulcer Nursing Care Plan 3Deficient Knowledge Nursing Diagnosis: Deficient Knowledge related to repetitive incidents of GI bleeding secondary to peptic ulcer disease as evidenced by the reappearance of symptoms, including black-colored stool, abdominal cramps, bright red-colored vomitus, lightheadedness, weakness, and skin pallor. Desired Outcomes:
Peptic Ulcer Nursing Care Plan 4Anxiety Nursing Diagnosis: Anxiety related to the nature of the disease secondary to peptic ulcer disease as evidenced by verbal reports of fear and worry. Desired Outcomes:
Peptic Ulcer Nursing Care Plan 5Risk for deficient fluid volume Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume related to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding secondary to peptic ulcer disease. Desired Outcomes: Please enable JavaScript Nursing Stat Facts
Nursing ReferencesAckley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2020). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2022). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, & outcomes. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2020). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Silvestri, L. A. (2020). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Disclaimer:Please follow your facilities guidelines and policies and procedures. The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be nursing education and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. |