Bleeding Ulcers

Bleeding Ulcers Symptoms, Treatment

Bleeding ulcers are not caused by stress, as many people believe. To understand what bleeding ulcers are, and what causes bleeding ulcers, it helps to know how the stomach works, and the conditions necessary for bleeding ulcers to occur.

Powerful juices in the stomach called hydrocloric acid and pepsin combine to break down food and start the digestive process. These juices, commonly called stomach acids, would consume the stomach itself if it didn't have a protective coating or lining to protect itself.

However, sometimes there's a problem or injury of some kind and the lining becomes damaged. An ulcer results. Sometimes this ulcer erodes enough of the stomach lining that it begins to bleed.

An ulcer is an area where the stomach or duodenum lining has become inflamed and eroded. Inflammation of this kind is also known as gastritis. An ulcer in the stomach itself is called a gastric ulcer. An ulcer that forms in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine just beyond the stomach), is called a duodenal ulcer.

Bleeding Ulcers Causes

There are several reasons bleeding ulcers may form. Many people have a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, in their stomach. This bacteria can weaken the protective coating of the stomach, making ulcer growth more likely. Anti-inflammatory medications can also contribute to stomach ulcers. These medications typically include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Poor diet and a lifestyle that includes excessive alcohol use, smoking, and a lot of caffeine also increase the odds you'll get a bleeding ulcer.

Also see our article about the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can be a contributing factor to both stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

Bleeding ulcers symptoms

In the beginning, ulcer symptoms are mild and some people don't even notice them. Eventually, however, symptoms like the following will begin to present themselves.

• Abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite, accompanied by a feeling of fullness after a meal.
• Unexplained weight loss.

If a blood vessel is present under the ulcer, and the ulcer causes the blood vessel to leak, the symptoms can be much more dramatic. These might include the following.

• Vomiting blood,
• Bloody, black, tarry stools.
• Symptoms of shock, like lightheadedness, excessive perspiration or mental confusion.
• A hard, rigid abdomen that feels tender to the touch.

These bleeding ulcer symptoms constitute a medical emergency. Anyone who experiences them should seek professional medical help immediately.

Bleeding Ulcers Treatment

When bleeding ulcers symptoms occur, the first thing to do (after calling a doctor) is to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications immediately (unless they're needed to treat another medical problem). This is definitely a topic to discuss with your doctor.

Your doctor might recommend a procedure called an endoscopy, which is a common treatment used in bleeding ulcers cases. An endoscope is a long, thin, tube-like device with a tiny heating element at the end. This heating element can cauterize the area and stop the bleeding. Endoscopy works effectively in 9 out of 10 cases. A hospital stay of several days is typical.

During recovery, someone who has had bleeding ulcers should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, and smoking. Certain medications may be helpful, including ranitidine (Zantac), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid) and lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevacid SoluTab). These decrease acid secretions in the stomach and allow it to heal. Your doctor may also recommend antacids.

Related information: stomach ulcers, types of stomach ulcers, peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.