A computerized questionnaire analysis of duodenal ulcer symptoms.

The characteristics, daily routine of life, and symptom patterns of 100 patients with a radiologically proven duodenal ulcer were compared with 100 controls. This confirmed that ulcer pain occurred periodically with attacks and remissions, could be relieved by antacids, vomiting, and avoiding fatty food, but was made worse by worry. The anatomical site was usually epigastric but other sites were common. Pain was unaffected by diet or a change in the seasons and had no constant relationship to meals. It occurred during the day in all of the patients and at night in 88%.