Duodenal Ulcer
A duodenal ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the duodenum, commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or anti-inflammatory medicines.
Key takeaways
- Burning upper abdominal pain may occur when the stomach is empty, but symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish an ulcer.
- Testing for active H. pylori is important because eradication prevents recurrence more effectively than acid suppression alone.
- Ongoing NSAID use changes healing and bleeding risk and should be reviewed with cardiovascular and pain needs.
The listings below do not confirm an ulcer or its cause; testing, alarm features and interactions should guide treatment.
Confirming cause and complications
Urea breath or stool antigen testing detects active H. pylori, while endoscopy is used for bleeding, anaemia, persistent symptoms or other warning features. Acid suppressants, antibiotics and recent bleeding can affect test accuracy and timing.
Healing and preventing recurrence
Proton-pump inhibitors reduce acid and promote healing. Confirmed H. pylori requires a complete combination regimen selected around resistance and allergy, followed by a test of cure. Avoiding or minimising NSAIDs reduces recurrence; selected ongoing users need gastroprotection.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency care for vomiting blood, black tarry stool, fainting, sudden severe abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen, repeated vomiting or marked weakness and breathlessness.