About Bleeding Stomach Ulcers

A bleeding stomach ulcer is called a peptic ulcer. The ulcer or hole can be in the stomach lining, duodenum or esophagus. When located in the stomach, the ulcer is called a gastric ulcer, when in the duodenum, it is called a duodenum ulcer, and when in the esophagus, it is called an esophagus ulcer. An ulcer can be formed from acidic juices or bacteria found in the stomach. When either of these occur, an ulcer or perforation of the stomach, duodenum or esophagus wall can happen.

Causes

• The cause for bleeding stomach ulcers was long believed to be from excessive acid in the stomach. Acid is still believed to be a major contributor in the formation of an ulcer, but now it is believed most ulcers originate from an infection in the stomach from bacteria known as Helicobacter pyloricus, or H. pylori. Another cause can come from the overuse of anti-inflammatory medications which includes aspirin. Ulcers believed to be caused from stress can cause a rapid buildup of acid in the stomach.

Symptoms

• Symptoms from bleeding stomach ulcers can range from very little discomfort and even none at all to a high degree of persistent pain depending on how large the ulcer or perforation is. Burning pain in the upper stomach a few hours after eating is common. Weight loss, changes in appetite, and bloody or dark stools are also symptomatic of an ulcer.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is generally made by an upper endoscopy. The patient is sedated and the doctor inserts a flexible tube with a camera into the mouth and down the esophagus into the stomach. The endoscopy can also remove tissue samples to test for the h. pylori bacteria. While cancer is rare in the duodenum, cancer can occur in the stomach or gastric ulcers therefore biopsy is necessary.

Treatment

• When the bacteria h. pylori is causing the ulcers, antibiotics such as amoxicillin are prescribed to kill the offending bacteria. If the cause is non-bacterial then acid blockers are taken to reduce and block acid in the stomach. Acid blockers such as Pepcid and Zantac are normally taken. Antacids are also administered and instead of reducing acid in the stomach they will neutralize the acid and bring pain relief.

Prevention/Solution

• Smoking can attribute to the buildup of acid in your stomach which is one of the many reasons to quit. Avoid alcohol which irritates the stomach lining along with spicy and fatty foods. Reduction in aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines can help in keeping acid down and the lining of your stomach healthy.