K20-K31: Diseases of oesophagus, stomach and duodenum
K26: Duodenal ulcer
Duodenal ulcers, included in the K26 group, are wounds or sores that form in the duodenum, which is the initial part of your small intestine immediately after the stomach. These ulcers can occur at any age and in all people. Duodenal ulcers commonly form due to a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, but long-term use of certain medications, such as aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase the risk of developing duodenal ulcers. Some common signs and symptoms of a duodenal ulcer can include upper abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and in severe instances, vomiting blood. This condition usually progresses slowly and can become chronic if not treated properly. It has a significant impact on the digestive system and can potentially lead to complications like internal bleeding or perforation of the intestine.
Subcodes of K26:
- K26.0: Duodenal ulcer : acute with haemorrhage
- K26.1: Duodenal ulcer : acute with perforation
- K26.2: Duodenal ulcer : acute with both haemorrhage and perforation
- K26.3: Duodenal ulcer : acute without haemorrhage or perforation
- K26.4: Duodenal ulcer : chronic or unspecified with haemorrhage
- K26.5: Duodenal ulcer : chronic or unspecified with perforation
- K26.6: Duodenal ulcer : chronic or unspecified with both haemorrhage and perforation
- K26.7: Duodenal ulcer : chronic without haemorrhage or perforation
- K26.9: Duodenal ulcer : unspecified as acute or chronic, without haemorrhage or perforation
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.