Inflammation of the duodenum (first part of the small intestine), producing vague gastrointestinal symptoms. The condition is diagnosed by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (see gastroscopy) which is the examination of the walls of the upper digestive tract with a flexible viewing instrument. Treatment is similar to that for a duodenal ulcer (see peptic ulcer).
n. inflammation of the duodenum. Duodenitis is commonly caused by infection with *Helicobacter pylori, NSAIDs, smoking, and alcohol. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific (vague abdominal discomfort may be present), or the findings of duodenal inflammation may be noted at gastroscopy in an asymptomatic patient. Treatment may include antibiotics for H. pylori infection, antisecretory agents, and the withdrawal of implicated drugs (such as diclofenac).
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