Complications of Peptic Ulcer
Overview
A peptic ulcer may cause problems such as:
- Bleeding.
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Peptic ulcers sometimes bleed.
- Sometimes an ulcer may involve just the surface lining of the digestive tract. The person may then have a slow but constant loss of blood into the digestive tract. Over time, this may cause anemia.
- If ulcers become larger and go deeper into the digestive tract lining, they may damage large blood vessels. This can result in sudden, serious bleeding into the intestinal tract.
- Perforation.
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Perforation occurs when an ulcer eats through the wall of the stomach or intestine into the belly cavity.
- When perforation happens, partly digested food, bacteria, and enzymes from the digestive tract may spill into the belly cavity. This causes inflammation and infection (peritonitis).
- Peritonitis usually causes sudden and severe pain. In most cases, treatment requires an urgent stay in the hospital and surgery.
Credits
Current as of: October 19, 2023
Current as of: October 19, 2023