Prognosis
Depending on the cause of the inflammation of the duodenum, the prognosis is generally quite good. Causes such as inflammation caused by irritant drugs or the germ Helicobacter pylori can be treated relatively easily and usually lead to healing and freedom from symptoms within a few days to weeks. If the cause of the inflammation cannot be clarified, there is a risk that the inflammation will recur again and again and that a lifelong, gentle diet and the permanent intake of a gastric acid blocker will be necessary. In addition to a healthy diet, the personal risk can also be reduced by abstaining from smoking and alcohol.
Duration
The duration of duodenal inflammation depends on the cause and treatment. Often duodenitis – like gastritis – is caused by the colonization of Helicobacter pylori. If this is the cause, drug therapy is usually required.
The inflammation then continues until the therapy has been successful. In the case of triggers such as stress or noxious substances (e.g. alcohol, nicotine or certain painkillers), the inflammation often only comes to an end when the triggering factors are switched off. However, duodenitis does not always have to be accompanied by symptoms, so that the affected person sometimes does not notice how long it has been going on.
Prophylaxis
Prophylaxis of inflammation is possible, among other things, through a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The diet should be similar to that of an existing inflammation and consist of easily digestible, low-fat, mild whole foods. The meals should also be divided into several small instead of a few large ones.
Smoking and alcohol should be avoided as a stimulus to the production of stomach acid. When taking painkillers, sensitive patients should use preparations that are gentle on the stomach. If the risk factors cannot be avoided, prophylactic stomach acid inhibitors can be used in some cases on medical advice to prevent inflammation.
Inflammation with Helicobacter pylori is difficult to prevent, as the infection usually occurred years or decades before in childhood. However, if you are sure that Helicobacter pylori colonization has occurred, you should consider a preventive treatment of the colonization if you have to take non-steroidal painkillers or other drugs that damage the small intestine mucosa in order not to unnecessarily increase the risk of duodenal inflammation.
