Causes and Symptoms of Bleeding Ulcers

In the United States, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is estimated as the primary cause for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage or bleeding. PUD refers to the sore condition occurring in the mucous membrane of either the duodenum or the stomach. While the former type is known as duodenal ulcer, the later is called gastric ulcer. Nearly 10% of American population is suffering from any form of ulcer and related complications. In this article, we will try to shed light on the causes and symptoms of bleeding ulcers.

Causes

There are two major causes identified for developing ulcers - (1) the interaction with a microorganism referred to as Helicobacter pylori or (2) the persistent usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, referred to as NSAIDS such as aspirin. Although NSAIDS including aspirin offers extensively positive health benefits, a long term use of these medications may lead to an individual highly susceptible towards developing the symptoms of bleeding ulcers.

Similar to any other medications, a proper care must be taken while administering these types of drugs in order to alleviate the symptoms of bleeding ulcers. The medications must not be used in combination with alcohol or alcoholic beverages, as the combination can heighten the possibility for developing gastrointestinal bleeding.

In majority of the cases, people suffering from bleeding ulcers develop infections due to the interaction with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). However, the other group of people largely depends on NSAIDS substances like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and ketoprofen. The excessive and prolonged usages of NSAIDS may inevitably lead to develop the symptoms of bleeding ulcers.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) can not be clearly defined. While 50% of the patients may experience heartburn, 20% patients suffering from PUD may be asymptomatic. However, there are more definitive symptoms of bleeding ulcers compared to a non-bleeding one. The common symptoms of bleeding ulcers may involve melena or hematemesis. Hematochezia, a particular ulcerous bleeding condition, becomes apparent when the upper gastrointestinal bleeding is rapid, signifying a significant blood loss.

One of the most common symptoms of bleeding ulcers occurring in the duodenum area is epigastric pain sensation which occurs primarily 2-3 hours after a meal. The pain sensation occurring in the patients suffering from more severe form of bleeding ulcers is more intensified, extensive and localized. The perforation is indicated with an intense abdominal pain in association with hemodynamic decompensation. Additionally, vomiting may also occur which is accompanied by gastric outlet obstruction as a result of the inflammation enfolding the ulcer.

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