Editing Duodenum (section)

===Ulceration===
{{Main|Peptic ulcer disease}}

Ulcers of the duodenum commonly occur because of infection by the bacteria ''[[Helicobacter pylori]]''. These bacteria, through a number of mechanisms, erode the protective mucosa of the duodenum, predisposing it to damage from gastric acids. The first part of the duodenum is the most common location of ulcers since it is where the acidic chyme meets the duodenal mucosa before mixing with the alkaline secretions of the duodenum.<ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=Margaret E|title=The Digestive System}}</ref> Duodenal ulcers may cause recurrent abdominal pain and [[dyspepsia]], and are often investigated using a [[urea breath test]] to test for the bacteria, and [[endoscopy]] to confirm ulceration and take a [[biopsy]]. If managed, these are often managed through [[antibiotic]]s that aim to eradicate the bacteria, and [[proton-pump inhibitors]] and [[antacid]]s to reduce the gastric acidity.<ref name="DAVIDSONS2010">{{cite book |editor1-first=Nicki R. |editor1-last=Colledge |editor2-first=Brian R. |editor2-last=Walker |editor3-first=Stuart H. |editor3-last=Ralston |title=Davidson's principles and practice of medicine.|year=2010|publisher=Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier|location=Edinburgh|isbn=978-0-7020-3085-7|pages=871–874|edition=21st}}</ref>