Final answer:
Duodenal ulcer pain typically occurs at night and often improves with eating. It is caused by the irritation of ulcerated tissue by acidic gastric juices. Treatment for ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori includes antibiotics and acid-reducing medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Does the Pain Occur with Duodenal Ulcers?
The pain associated with duodenal ulcers, which are a type of peptic ulcer, typically manifests as upper abdominal pain that is most noticeable at night. This pain often improves after eating. Duodenal ulcers form in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach. The presence of acidic gastric juices irritating the ulcerated tissue contributes to this discomfort.
Aside from pain, other symptoms can include belching, vomiting, weight loss, and a poor appetite. The most common cause of peptic ulcers is an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which can be diagnosed through symptoms or the presence of the bacteria itself. Treatment generally includes a combination of antibiotics and medications that reduce stomach acid to promote healing.
It is important to treat a duodenal ulcer because if untreated, it can lead to more severe conditions such as perforation of the stomach or duodenal wall, which would require emergency surgery to repair.