Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026
The Dyspepsia Educational Tool As a Novel Aid in Dyspepsia Management
Published on: June 29, 2019
A pilot study on duodenal acid exposure and its relationship to symptoms in functional dyspepsia with prominent
Kwang-Jae Lee1, Brunello Demarchi, Ingrid Demedts
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Background:
Duodenal hypersensitivity to acid and decreased duodenal clearance of exogenous acid have been reported in functional dyspepsia (FD). However, the relevance of these abnormalities to spontaneous duodenal acid exposure and dyspeptic symptoms in FD is unknown.
Aims:
To determine spontaneous duodenal acid exposure and its relationship with symptoms, duodenal sensitivity to acid, and the effects of a 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist on duodenal responses to acid in FD.
Methods:
Eleven FD patients with prominent nausea and 11 healthy controls underwent 24-h ambulatory duodenal pH monitoring with assessment of dyspeptic symptoms. On the next day, duodenal bolus infusions of 5 ml of acid and normal saline were given in a randomized double-blind manner and repeated after ondansetron or a placebo.
Results:
Nighttime duodenal acid exposure was similar, but FD patients had lower duodenal pH and higher duodenal % time (pH < 4) than controls during the daytime and in the second postprandial 2 h (p < 0.05). Seven patients (64%) with duodenal acid exposure above the normal range had higher severity scores for several dyspeptic symptoms including nausea. However, the symptom severity was poorly or weakly correlated to duodenal pH, and brief duodenal acid infusion did not affect any symptoms. Duodenal responses to exogenous acid were unaffected by 5-HT(3) receptor antagonism.
Conclusions:
Spontaneous duodenal acid exposure is increased in a subset of FD patients with prominent nausea, and this is associated with more severe dyspeptic symptoms. However, a direct relationship between duodenal acid exposure and symptom severity is lacking.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
01:30Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
01:22Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Injurious Factors
In the antrum region, G cells secrete the gastrin hormone that binds to gastrin-cholecystokinin-B (CCK2) receptors on parietal and enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the fundic glands. Simultaneously, the vagus nerve releases acetylcholine, which binds to M3...
01:24Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors
01:29Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to: