Digestive issues are known to cause issues in our lives as well. Some digestive issues are curable within a few days, but some digestive issues, like peptic ulcers or bleeding ulcers, require a lot of care and the recovery period is also long. If you are suffering from a bleeding ulcer and have no clue what it is, stay tuned with us till the last.
Here we will discuss bleeding ulcers in detail and also help you to know about the best treatment for the same. Let’s get started!
What is Ulcer Bleeding?
A bleeding ulcer is a condition that takes place when there are open sores or ulcers in the first part of the small intestine or in the stomach. This condition majorly develops when the protective lining of the digestive system is eaten away by the bacterial infection. Moreover, people dependent on painkillers are likely to get it more.
Some people have no idea they have ulcers, but certain conditions allow them to see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. They experience heartburn and abdominal pain, which indicates that they need to get in touch with the doctor as soon as possible.
One cannot ignore the condition of a bleeding ulcer because sometimes ignoring it leads to other health conditions and can lead to cancer as well.
Symptoms of Ulcer Bleeding
A bleeding ulcer is a condition that has symptoms that can help you decide when it is time to see a doctor. Some common symptoms of bleeding ulcers to look out for are as follows:-
1. Abdominal pain:
Abdominal pain is the primary condition or symptom, you will experience with a bleeding ulcer. The pain is sometimes so constant that even the over-the-counter medications do not help you out. In this condition, there is a need to approach the gastroenterologist.
2. Vomiting:
Vomiting is also very common with bleeding ulcers, and do understand that sometimes you vomit out blood as well. Don’t worry about it because this is a sign of a bleeding ulcer, which indicates that you cannot delay approaching the doctor.
3. Belching:
Belching is a common habit we all have. But with bleeding ulcers, you will experience it frequently. Sometimes you will not even be able to eat anything due to this condition.
4. Lack of energy:
When the bacterial infection is eating the protective lining of the small intestine, do know that all your energy is consumed in the same way and you will face a shortage of it. Sometimes you feel tired all the time, and getting up from bed seems to be a very difficult task.
5. Shortness of breath:
When there is less energy in the body, it happens that you will not be able to engage in physical activities with the same enthusiasm as you used to. You will not even be able to breathe properly during physical activities, so you should start avoiding them.
6. Changes in stools:
Changes in stool are also a sign of a bleeding ulcer. You will experience stools that appear to be black and sticky in color, and sometimes these are accompanied by dark red or maroon blood.
7. Changes in skin color:
Changes in skin color are also a common symptom of bleeding ulcers. You will notice that the skin appears to be pale yellow in color. Some people consider it the condition of jaundice, but to understand that possibility, you might be suffering with the answer.
Causes of Ulcer
As we have already discussed, bleeding ulcers take place when bacterial infections start eating up the protective lining of the small intestine or stomach. However, keep in mind that there are two most common causes for this. These are as follows:
1. Helicobacter pylori:
Helicobacter pylorus is a bacterium that resides in the mucus in the digestive tract. Sometimes it is responsible for causing inflammation in the stomach lining and it leads to ulcers. People who smoke regularly suffer from majorly suffering from the same and are at a higher risk of getting bleeding ulcers.
2. Consumption of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are responsible for creating a lot of problems for you. It is important to understand that these are very hard on the stomach and small intestine and are responsible for disturbing its activity as well. It doesn’t matter which type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug you are taking, but it does have a bad impact on your stomach.
Diagnoses of Bleeding Ulcer:
When you approach the doctor to get the treatment of an ulcer, they will primarily suggest you go for some diagnostic techniques. The diagnostic techniques the doctor suggests include:
Endoscopy:
Endoscopy is the primary diagnostic technique that doctors suggest to patients to determine whether they are suffering from a bleeding ulcer or not. In this procedure, the doctor uses the endoscope to insert it through the throat into the stomach. After inserting the same, they check for abnormalities. The endoscope has a tiny camera at its tip, which helps them get a clear picture of the stomach on the screen.
H. pylori test:
We have not heard about it, but right now H-pylori tests are widely used. Doctors rely heavily on H. pylori tests to diagnose conditions. They also suggest the patient go for a blood or stool test by taking a sample during the endoscopy procedure.
Imaging test:
Imaging tests are available in the case of a bleeding ulcer. The doctor does recommend going for an x-ray or CT scan. The patient is supposed to drink a specific liquid that goes to the digestive tract and helps the doctor get the images more clearly.
Treatment for Bleeding Ulcers:
When you are approaching the gastroenterologist for treatment, they will suggest different kinds of medications for the treatment. However, the doctor recommends that you take medication and change your eating habits.
The medicine entirely depends on the condition. The medicines are also a combination of some antibiotics and protect medications. These are helpful in providing relief to the person.
What are the causes of Stomach Ulcers?
Are Ulcers Curable?
Ulcers, on the other hand, are curable if they are treated with the utmost care and attention. If you are taking all the precautions that the doctor has suggested during the treatment, there is a possibility that it will recover completely. But if you continue to smoke or rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, then there are fewer chances for you to recover completely from it.
Can Ulcers Cause Death?
Some people thought that they were also responsible for causing deaths, but in reality, they were not. If ulcers turn out to be cancerous, there is a possibility you will suffer from it, but otherwise, there is no such episode reported that has also killed any person.
Here we will discuss the bleeding ulcer in detail and hope you are aware of it. Well, if you are suffering from this condition, do reach out to the best doctor around. If you are searching for a doctor, you can simply visit Jaipur and fix an appointment with Dr. Shankar Dhaka. He is the best gastroenterologist in Jaipur, having years of experience.
When you approach him for ulcer bleeding treatment in Jaipur, he will analyze the condition and, after having clear reports, let you know whether the condition is curable or not. He will not put you on unnecessary medications until and unless it’s important. If there is a requirement for you to change your schedule, he will suggest you do the same.
Most Asked Questions
Q. 1 What happens if your ulcer is bleeding?
Ans: If you are suffering from a bleeding ulcer, you will probably also suffer from some other conditions. Such conditions include anemia, bloody vomit, or bloody stools. Sometimes it requires a hospital stay as well.
Q. 2 What are the warning signs of ulcer bleeding?
Ans: The warning signs of a bleeding ulcer include changes in stool that appear to be black and sticky, along with blood. Sometimes you also vomit blood, too, with the consistency of coffee grounds.
Q. 3 Do ulcers cause gas and bloating?
Ans: Yes, there is a possibility that ulcers may cause gas and bloat. In this case, it is important to approach the doctor promptly.
Q. 4 Is drinking cold water good for ulcers?
Ans: Fortunately, yes. Drinking cold water is good for ulcers. It helps you get relief from ulcer pain by reducing acid secretion and gastric motility.
