Duodenitis is inflammation of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
The duodenum is a 30cm long tube connecting the stomach to the rest of the small intestine.
Duodenitis can lead to symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia) or stomach ache.
In some cases the inflammation worsens to create a small sore or ulcer in the duodenum's wall.
Causes of duodenitis
The most common cause of the duodenum becoming inflamed, irritated or swollen is H. pylori bacteria infection.
H. pylori stimulates increased acid production by the stomach that triggers inflammation of the duodenum.
Other less common conditions causing duodenitis include:
The duodenitis inflammation is diagnosed using a procedure called endoscopy, in which a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera and light is inserted into the intestine. A biopsy or tissue sample is then taken for laboratory testing.
Cases of duodenitis or duodenal ulcer caused by H. pylori can usually be treated with antibiotics and medicine to suppress stomach acid production.