Gastritis and duodenitis are both inflammation of organs in the abdomen, but refer to different organs. They often have the same causes, symptoms, and treatments, such as the use of NSAIDs and H. pylori infection. Treatment involves reducing stomach acid.
Gastritis and duodenitis both refer to inflammation of organs within the abdominal cavity, but are different because they refer to inflammation of two distinct organs. Duodenitis occurs when the first portion of the small intestine that begins in the lower stomach region becomes inflamed. This part of the small intestine is known as the duodenum. Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, although it is often referred to when describing a wide range of symptoms that can occur as a direct result of inflammation of the stomach lining. These disorders are often caused by the same factors, often show the same symptoms, are detected in the same way, and are treated with the same medications.
Typically, gastritis occurs when the barrier that protects the stomach wall from the corrosive effects of natural stomach acids becomes weak or damaged. When this happens, the acid reaches the stomach wall and inflames the stomach lining. This can cause a number of harmful effects.
A similar process occurs in the duodenum during duodenitis. In this case the lining of the duodenum becomes weak and damaged and is subsequently susceptible to the inflammatory effects of stomach acids. Due to the proximity of the duodenum to the stomach, stomach acid is often present in the duodenum and is usually the primary inflammatory agent in a case of duodenitis.
Often, gastritis and duodenitis are caused by the same factors. For example, the presence of the bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, has been linked to both gastritis and duodenitis, although the presence of the bacteria does not automatically lead to symptoms. Another common cause of both disorders is the repeated use of pain relievers classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs irritate the protective lining of the stomach and intestines by decreasing the chemicals known as prostaglandins, which are responsible for making the protective agents of the stomach and duodenal walls.
The symptoms of gastritis and duodenitis are often identical. Both disorders can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, and appetite suppression. Additionally, gastritis and duodenitis are often diagnosed with a procedure known as a gastrointestinal endoscopy. During this procedure, a narrow tube is inserted through the mouth and moved past the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. Doctors can then look for any tissue damage that can be removed and examined.
The treatment of these disorders is also often the same. If the condition is caused by frequent use of NSAIDs, stopping their use can treat it. In other cases, drugs are used to reduce the amount of stomach acid, neutralize the acid present, or limit the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
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