How does pain from duodenal ulcers typically respond to eating?

Pain from duodenal ulcers is typically relieved by eating because the process of digestion and the presence of food in the stomach stimulate the production of alkaline secretions, such as bicarbonate, from the pancreas and the duodenum. These alkaline secretions help neutralize gastric acid, which can alleviate the burning sensation associated with ulcer pain. When food enters the duodenum, it also prompts bile and pancreatic juices to flow, further assisting in the neutralization of acid and providing a temporary relief from the ulcer's discomfort.

In contrast, pain from gastric ulcers often worsens with eating, as the production of gastric acid increases in response to food intake. Therefore, understanding the specific characteristics of pain in duodenal ulcers—where eating provides a degree of relief—demonstrates the relationship between digestion and symptom management in this condition.