What are the differences between duodenal bulb inflammation and colitis?

Jul 02, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have been experiencing frequent abdominal distension lately, along with occasional abdominal pain, heartburn, or nausea. These symptoms might be caused by duodenal bulb inflammation. What are the differences between duodenal bulb inflammation and colitis?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
The main differences between duodenal bulb inflammation and colitis are as follows: 1. **Location**: Duodenal bulb inflammation primarily occurs in the duodenal bulb, located below the stomach and slightly to the right of the navel; while colitis occurs in the lower part of the small intestine, specifically in the large intestine. 2. **Clinical manifestations**: Duodenal bulb inflammation commonly presents with upper abdominal pain and hunger-related pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux; colitis mainly presents with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucopurulent bloody stools, with pain typically located in the lower abdomen. 3. **Etiology**: Duodenal bulb inflammation is often caused by irritation from substances such as gastric acid and bile or by Helicobacter pylori infection; colitis may be caused by various factors including bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. 4. **Treatment**: The treatment principles for the two conditions differ, and individualized treatment must be formulated based on specific causes and symptoms.