The crater that is the ulcer can cause bleeding by
irritating the surrounding tissues or by actually eroding
the wall of a nearby small or even of a large blood vessel.
It is like a hole in the sidewall of a rotting water hose.
The amount of blood seepage will depend on the size of
the pipe (blood vessel) and the size of the leak. This is
the most serious complication of ulcer disease because it
is a type of internal hemorrhage.
How can I tell if my ulcer is bleeding?
One may be completely unaware of the bleeding. The
only symptoms may be rapidly developing weakness,
dizziness and sometimes fainting. If blood is vomited,
then it is obvious. The vomited blood may be bright red
or have the appearance of old coffee grounds. A black or
tarry stool may indicate bleeding. Not all tarry stools
contain blood; a stool may be this color from certain
medications, especially those containing iron. There is
an immediate way your physician can determine whether
the black is blood this can be resolved in a few seconds.
Intestinal bleeding is always a serious symptom and is
ideally managed in the hospital.
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