Inflammation of the duodenum, caused by acid, drugs, trauma, or infection, can disrupt digestion and affect iron absorption. Chronic inflammation can lead to ulcers and may indicate a more serious condition such as Crohn’s disease or cancer. Treatment options include antibiotics and antacids or removing suspect drugs.
The duodenum is an important component of the digestive system, as it connects the stomach and small intestine. If this area becomes irritated and enlarged, the entire digestive process can be disturbed and the body’s absorption of iron is affected. Irritation caused by agents such as acid, drugs, or trauma causes many cases of inflammation of the duodenum. Infections also pose a risk to this part of the digestive body. Advanced cases with other symptoms may signal a more serious and chronic underlying condition such as Crohn’s disease or cancers.
Acid is one of the strongest substances in nature. When this material is in the stomach, it is especially intense because it has to break down food and aid in digestion. If stomach acid gets into nearby areas with more sensitive linings than the stomach, the hard acid can have an adverse effect. This effect often occurs in the esophagus and duodenum, leading to inflammation.
An individual’s actions can also lead to inflammation of the duodenum. Namely, some medications can damage the duodenum. Perhaps ironically, this effect is often produced by drugs intended to fight inflammation. Some evidence suggests that stress can further worsen inflammatory conditions. Traumatic injuries can cause similar harmful effects.
Infection, especially bacterial infection, is a cause of many cases of inflammation, inflammation of the duodenum is no exception. In particular, a bacterium called H. Pylori has been indicted as a frequent attacker of the digestive system. The duodenum is the preferred location of this bacterium because the environment allows for the secretion of a protective enzyme for the bacteria.
Structural abnormalities can occasionally cause inflammation of the duodenum as well. The hood that separates the intestines from the stomach is mostly susceptible to abnormalities. When such abnormalities occur, aggravating spasms and acid leaks can occur.
In some cases, inflammation of the duodenum can be part of a larger general digestive disorder. The condition of intestinal inflammation Crohn’s disease attacks the lining and tissues of various areas of the digestive tract, from the colon to the duodenum. Accompanying symptoms might include the following: stomach pain, lack of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and bloody stools. Researchers theorize that a combination of genetics and faulty immune system responses play a role in the development of this condition. Infectious agents can even cause immune cells to mistakenly attack normal cells in the digestive tract.
Chronic inflammation of the duodenum can result in ulcers, which are raw areas in the digestive tract. While acute inflammation may have no symptoms, ulcers can cause internal bleeding and stomach pain. In rare cases, the inflammation and subsequent ulcers may be indicative of a tumor.
Treatment of duodenal inflammation typically consists of two distinctly different approaches: drug administration or drug removal. If internal agents are behind the condition, then medications such as bacteria-fighting antibiotics or acid-reducing antacids are popular treatment options. Suspect drugs, however, usually need to be removed from the treatment protocol.
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