Common gastroenterological problems. IV.--Duodenal ulcer.
Duodenal ulcer is a common cause of dyspepsia. The clinical features are non-specific, and suspicion of this lesion requires confirmation with a barium meal, perferably using a double-contrast technique. Duodenoscopy and gastric-acid-secretion studies are helpful in selected cases. Medical treatment is essentially symptomatic but nevertheless remains perfectly acceptable to many ulcer suffers. Surgical intervention is usually necessary in the presence of ulcer complications, but careful assessment is required before recommending operation for a patient with an uncomplicated duodenal ulcer. This decision should be based predominantly on the severity and duration of symptoms.
D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000150:complications; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005745:Gastric Acidity Determination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000863:Antacids; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents; D001466:Barium Sulfate