Is a duodenal ulcer life threatening?
Possible complications Complications of stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon, but they can be very serious and potentially life threatening. The main complications include: bleeding at the site of the ulcer. the stomach lining at the site of the ulcer splitting open (perforation)
What are the classic symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers?
Symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers are generally similar. The most common complaint is a burning pain in the stomach. Duodenal ulcers may also cause abdominal pain a few hours after eating….Symptoms
- heartburn or indigestion.
- feeling full, even when the stomach is empty.
- bloating.
- gas.
- nausea.
Where do you feel duodenal ulcer pain?
What are the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer? Pain in the upper tummy (abdomen) just below the breastbone (sternum) is the common symptom. It usually comes and goes. It may occur most before meals, or when you are hungry.
What happens if a stomach ulcer goes untreated?
Left untreated, peptic ulcers can result in: Internal bleeding. Bleeding can occur as slow blood loss that leads to anemia or as severe blood loss that may require hospitalization or a blood transfusion. Severe blood loss may cause black or bloody vomit or black or bloody stools.
How long does duodenal ulcer take to heal?
Uncomplicated gastric ulcers take up to two or three months to heal completely. Duodenal ulcers take about six weeks to heal. An ulcer can temporarily heal without antibiotics. But it is common for an ulcer to recur or for another ulcer to form nearby, if the bacteria are not killed.
How does a duodenal ulcer affect the body?
When the ulcer occurs on the back wall of the duodenum, pain is sometimes also felt in the back. With a duodenal ulcer, nausea, vomiting, or pain that is worsened by eating usually indicate swelling or obstruction of the narrow channel that connects the stomach to the duodenum. Ulcers can cause gastrointestinal bleeding .
How do doctors diagnose a stomach ulcer?
In most cases, stomach ulcer is diagnosed by examining the physical symptoms and medical history of the patient. If required, endoscopy, H. pylori test, and barium contrast X-rays are conducted for proper diagnosis.
What are the causes of a stomach ulcer?
A dull or burning pain in the stomach is the most common symptom of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers). Causes include long-term use of NSAIDs, an infection with H.pylori, or both. Rarely, tumors cause peptic ulcers.
What is treatment for duodenum ulcer?
Treatment for gastric and duodenal ulcers depends on the causes and how severe your symptoms are. For example, your doctor may prescribe histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce the amount of acid and protect your stomach lining.
