When the lining of your stomach is compromised, normal stomach acids that aid in daily digestive functions eat away the protective layer of mucus.An open sore can be as small as 4 inch (0.64 cm) to as large as 2 inches (5.1 cm).If the ulcer is not treated, stomach acid can cause damage to the underlying blood vessels.Some people don't experience any symptoms, but you may experience burning pain.You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you suspect you have a bleeding ulcer.The most common way to treat bleeding ulcers is with medication.It's important to get medical treatment as soon as possible, as stomach ulcers can cause internal bleeding.
Step 1: Pay attention to the abdominal pain.
There is moderate burning pain between your belly button and breast bone if you have a peptic or bleeding ulcer.The pain will come and go throughout the day, but will be the worst after you eat.If you haven't eaten in a while and your stomach is empty, the ulcer may be painful.When the stomach is empty or full, the pain from your ulcer is likely to be the worst.
Step 2: There are feelings of nausea.
If you feel sick multiple times in a week, or even more than once a day, you may have a bleeding ulcer.With or without nausea, your stomach may feel bloated.The amount of blood coming from the ulcer will affect the symptoms.Changes in appetite and weight loss are possible with the nausea.
Step 3: Look for blood in your vomit.
A bleeding ulcer can cause nausea and vomiting because it fills the stomach with blood.Coffee grounds will have the consistency and texture of blood.Frequent vomiting can be a sign of a peptic ulcer, even if you don't see blood in your vomit.This is a medical emergency if you see blood or a coffee-like substance in your vomit.Individuals with ulcers can experience nausea and vomiting, as well as having an allergy to certain foods.
Step 4: You should pay attention to the symptoms of anemia.
The symptoms may not affect you if your ulcer is not producing much blood.Anemia is the first sign of a bleeding ulcer.Lightheadedness and fatigue are symptoms of anemia.You could also notice that your skin is pale in color.Anemia is caused by an insufficient amount of blood in your body.
Step 5: There is blood in your stool.
You can usually tell if you have a bleeding ulcer by looking at your stool.The stool is sticky and dark in color.It's called tarry stool.The texture of bloody stool is similar to roofing tar.
Step 6: If you have a bleeding ulcer, you should visit an emergency room.
A medical emergency can be caused by a severely bleeding ulcer.This results in the loss of blood.A hemorrhaging ulcer can be life threatening.If you think you have a bleeding ulcer, you should go to an emergency room.Severe abdominal pain, weakness or fatigue, and large amounts of blood in your stool and vomit are signs of a hemorrhaging ulcer.The blood in your stool won't be red.Black, tar-like stools are caused by blood.
Step 7: Your doctor will give you a stool sample.
To deposit the stool in a sealable plastic bag or container provided by the doctor, you must defecate and use a clean spoon or other utensil.The stool sample should be small.Store the stool sample in your refrigerator if you can't take it to the doctor.The doctor can tell if you have a bleeding ulcer by testing your stool for blood.
Step 8: Your doctor will ask for your consent to perform an endoscopy.
The primary procedure used to examine a bleeding ulcer is an endoscopy.A camera is attached to a tube that is inserted into your stomach.Doctors can look inside your stomach to see if there is a bleeding ulcer.The tube can be passed down your throat and into your stomach.You may not be given an anesthesia during the procedure.Your doctor can give you a medication to relax you.Discuss any premedication you will be given with your doctor before the procedure.The doctor may take a biopsy while they are doing your endoscopy.Your doctor may perform an upper gastrointestinal series in place of an endoscopy.X-rays of your stomach and small intestine are taken.
Step 9: Discuss medical tests for H with your doctor.
.Doctors will give a stool, breath, or blood test.If they are administering the breath test, your doctor will ask you to inhale a gas that breaks down H. pyloribacteria in your stomach, and then exhale into a sealed bag.The breath in the bag will be analyzed.The lining of your stomach can be damaged by H. pylori.It's presence in your stomach is a good sign that you have a bleeding ulcer.Your doctor can give you an antibiotic.
Step 10: There are drugs that block acid production.
If your doctor discovers that you have a bleeding ulcer, they will prescribe you more than one medication to help it heal.Drugs that block the production of stomach acid are the most prescribed.A less acidic environment will allow the ulcer to heal on its own.Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a commonly prescribed medication.Lansoprazole is used inPrevacid.Pantoprazole is a drug.Esomeprazole is also known asNexium.
Step 11: Take drugs to kill H.
.Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to remove the H. pylori from your system if your test came back positive.This will allow the lining of your stomach wall to heal itself.Amoxicillin is a medication used to kill H. pylori.Metronidazole is also known as flagyl.Tinidazole is a drug.Ask the doctor about the test results if they don't mention them.The test results should be available within a few hours after you took the test.
Step 12: There are medications that protect the lining of your stomach.
If you have a bleeding ulcer, your doctor will prescribe medicine to protect the lining of your stomach.This will give the ulcer time to heal and stop bleeding.Sucralfate (Carafate) is one of the common prescriptions.There is a drug called Misoprostol (Cytotec).Depending on the location of your bleeding ulcer, your doctor may suggest a different medication.
Step 13: If you want to close the ulcer, go under the knife.
You may need to have a surgical procedure done to stop the bleeding.It is not uncommon for ulcers to be unable to heal themselves.One or more operations will need to be performed to ensure that the ulcer stops bleeding and heals.Three primary surgical procedures are performed on individuals with a bleeding ulcer.The vagus nerve is severed in a vagotomy.The brain sends messages to the stomach to make stomach acid.The lower portion of the stomach is removed in an antrectomy procedure.The lower stomach is widened in a pyloroplasty to make it easier to process food.
Step 14: While your body heals, deal with ulcer-related pain.
You may still experience pain from the ulcer after taking medication.Various ways can be used to combat this pain.Your doctor may recommend that you stop smoking or take an antacid for pain.If you notice that certain foods irritate the ulcer, stop eating them.Try to eat 5 to 6 small meals during the day so that you don't let your stomach get completely empty.If the pain persists for more than 3 or 4 weeks after you start taking the medication, you should talk to your doctor.The doctor may recommend that you stop taking certain drugs because they can irritate the ulcer.