Duodenogastric reflux: what it is, causes and symptoms

You saw the line "duodenogastric reflux" in your gastroscopy report and are trying to understand what it means? Let's sort out what this condition is, where it comes from, and when you need to see a doctor.

What duodenogastric reflux is

Duodenogastric reflux is the backflow of contents from the duodenum into the stomach. Between these two sections there is a sphincter — the pylorus — which normally works like a door: it lets food through in one direction and closes in the opposite direction. If this "door" does not close completely, intestinal contents end up where they are not expected.

Let's clarify right away what this is not. It is not heartburn from acid rising from the stomach into the esophagus, and it is not a standalone diagnosis based on a single line from a report. Only pronounced and long-standing refluxes produce clinical manifestations.

Where duodenogastric reflux comes from: causes

The cause of duodenogastric reflux is described as weakening of the closing function of the pylorus, chronic duodenitis, and increased pressure in the duodenum.

At the same time, gastroenterologists' opinions differ: some believe that duodenogastric reflux occurs in healthy people, and some write that it is constantly present in healthy people, occupies about 40% of the day, and intensifies at night.

Symptoms of duodenogastric reflux

Only pronounced and long-standing refluxes produce clinical manifestations. When the reflux is exactly like that, characteristic signs appear:

• yellow coating on the tongue;
• abdominal pain without clear localization;
• belching;
• heartburn.

Doctors describe belching and heartburn together with the word "dyspepsia." Belching and heartburn also occur with gastroesophageal reflux, so you cannot figure it out from symptoms alone — you need a doctor.

Type C gastritis: how reflux affects the mucosa

The contents of the duodenum are not a harmless fluid. They contain bile acids and their salts, pancreatic enzymes, lysolecithin, and other components. They damage the gastric mucosa, primarily the antrum, which adjoins the duodenum.

If such backflow persists for a long time, so-called type C (chemical-toxic) gastritis develops.

How it differs from gastroesophageal reflux

Confusion arises because the words are similar. Gastroesophageal reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, when the muscle in the lower part of the esophagus does not close properly. Its signs: burning pain in the middle of the chest and a sour taste in the mouth, there may be cough or hiccups that return, hoarseness, bad breath, bloating, and nausea. Most often it is unpleasant after eating, when lying down, and when bending over.

If such backflow happens two or more times a week or damages the esophageal mucosa, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease. Duodenogastric reflux is about a different floor: contents go from the intestine into the stomach.

How reflux is detected and when to see a doctor

Examination usually includes ultrasound of the abdominal organs, EGD (that same gastroscopy), and comprehensive 24-hour pH-metry of the lower third of the esophagus, the cardia, and the body of the stomach. Measuring acidity in the stomach gives the most reliable answer as to whether there is reflux and how pronounced it is. Electrogastroenterography is not included in diagnostic standards.

You need to see a doctor if food gets stuck in the throat, there is frequent vomiting, weight loss without a cause, or symptoms worsen.

Duodenogastric reflux by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. The numbers 103 and 112 are needed if chest pain appears together with shortness of breath or pain radiates to the jaw or arm: these may be signs of a heart problem.

This material is for reference: it explains a line from a report but does not replace a doctor's consultation — a gastroenterologist will give the final answer to your question.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer