Gastroenterology Coding Alert

A duodenal ulcer is one form of peptic ulcer that is caused by gastric acids eroding the protective mucus layer in the duodenum. The commonest causes of a duodenal ulcer are infections caused by bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Ulcers can also be caused when a person is on certain medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The risk of a duodenal ulcer increases if the person is suffering from severe stress or has habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol intake, although these factors are not directly involved in the cause of duodenal ulcers.