Yes, duodenitis has a cure. The treatment is made with medicines and measures that aim to alleviate and avoid worsening of the symptoms, since there is no specific treatment for duodenitis itself.
If duodenitis is caused by a Heliobacter pylori, a bacterium present in the stomach, treatment may include antibiotics, which should be kept for at least 14 days.
Also indicated medicines which reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, to prevent irritation of the mucosa of the digestive tract. Among these drugs are cimetidine, famotidine, esomeprazole, omeprazole, among others.
The antacids, such as calcium carbonate and milk of magnesia, can also help neutralize stomach acid and relieve pain.
Treatment of duodenitis also includes change of habits which may make the symptoms worse. Thus, patients should avoid cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, acidic beverages, spicy foods, stress and medications that may irritate the duodenum (the initial portion of the small intestine).
When duodenitis progresses to duodenal ulcer or causes complications such as bleeding, the patient may need to be hospitalized for specific treatment for these conditions.
The gastroenterologist is responsible for the treatment of duodenitis.
