The severity of the pain varies, and recurrence is common with periods of remission. Any change in the pattern of the pain may herald complications constant pain unrelieved by any agent may suggest perforation, or adherence to the pancreas behind. Many patients with DU have no symptoms. There is often poor correlation between symptoms and healing. Surprisingly, duodenal ulcers never turn malignant.
Complications are similar to gastric ulcer.
Double contrast barium and endoscopy are helpful in diagnosis. Small ulcers missed by barium can be picked up by endoscopy. Medical Management Healing of ulcers and relief of pain are the two objectives. Antacids like aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are most commonly used. The former produces constipation, and the latter diarrhoea in some patients.