A peptic ulcer is caused by an infection that occurs from the bacteria Helicobacter pylori or from medications that can thin the stomach or the duodenum's lining (located in the first section of the small intestine). When viewed via an examination using a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end (known as an endoscope), a peptic ulcer can cause major complications, including bleeding and obstruction.
Bleeding
A peptic ulcer not only creates a sore area in the stomach, it also can erode blood vessels in the stomach or duodenum. This causes bleeding in the stomach that can result in symptoms such as vomiting blood, experiencing bloody stools or black, tarry stools. Additional symptoms include fatigue, weakness, fainting or cold, clammy skin.
Perforation
Perforation occurs when stomach acid breaks through the intestinal wall to the abdominal cavity. This can cause infection in the abdominal cavity, also known as acute peritonitis. Perforation can onset suddenly, causing pain and the abdomen to become hardened. Immediate surgery often is required when perforation occurs.
Obstruction
Peptic ulcers can repeatedly appear in the same position, which can cause a build-up of scar tissue in the digestive tract. When the scar tissue develops where the stomach and duodenum meet, the duodenum may become blocked with fluid or food. Symptoms of obstruction include a swollen stomach, pain, nausea or vomiting.
Penetration
An ulcer also can extend beyond the stomach or duodenum's wall to another organ, such as the liver or pancreas. In addition to symptoms such as piercing pain at the affected area, pain may occur in other areas of the body and can become sharper with movement. A physician can prescribe medications to heal the ulcer, though surgery may be needed to treat more severe cases.
Sleeplessness
Pain due to a peptic ulcer can result in an inability to sleep, which can cause symptoms such as depression, dizziness, hallucinations, irritability, blurred vision or heart disease. A physician may prescribe medications both to treat the ulcer and to provide relief for temporary sleeplessness.
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