Medical expert of the article
New publications
Chronic duodenitis - Causes
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Depending on the etiology, primary and secondary chronic duodenitis are usually distinguished. Primary chronic duodenitis is considered an independent disease; secondary chronic duodenitis is a disease that accompanies or complicates various other diseases, primarily diseases of the digestive organs.
[ Causes of primary chronic duodenitis
Primary chronic duodenitis is very rare. The main factors causing it are irregular meals, frequent consumption of spicy, coarse food, strong alcoholic beverages, excessive amounts of fats, carbohydrates; smoking; excessive coffee and strong tea consumption. The above factors stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, alcohol disrupts the motor-evacuation function of the stomach and duodenum. Smoking stimulates gastric secretion and inhibits the production of bicarbonates of pancreatic juice.
One of the reasons for the development of primary chronic duodenitis may be a history of acute duodenitis. There is a certain hereditary predisposition to the development of primary chronic duodenitis.
It should be emphasized that the above-mentioned reasons for the development of primary chronic duodenitis are not recognized by all researchers or are regarded rather as factors contributing to the development of this disease.
Most gastroenterologists believe that the most common direct cause of primary chronic duodenitis is a violation of the relationship between aggressive and protective factors. Aggressive factors are hyperproduction of hydrochloric acid and pepsin, injuries to the mucous membrane of the duodenum; protective factors are the optimal state of cellular regeneration and blood circulation in the mucous membrane of the duodenum. However, it should be noted that a violation of the relationship between aggressive and protective factors of the mucous membrane of the duodenum is rather not the etiology, but the pathogenesis of primary chronic duodenitis. In recent years, the role of Helicobacter pylori in the development of primary chronic duodenitis has been discussed.
Causes of secondary chronic duodenitis
Secondary chronic duodenitis is much more common than primary. It can be a manifestation or complication of a number of diseases. The main causes of secondary chronic duodenitis are:
- Helicobacter pylori infection;
- duodenal ulcer;
- chronic gastritis;
- chronic pancreatitis;
- chronic hepatitis;
- chronic diseases of the biliary tract;
- chronic enteritis, colitis;
- parasitic infestations;
- allergic diseases;
- diseases of the lungs and cardiovascular system leading to tissue hypoxia;
- kidney disease with chronic renal failure.