Bleeding ulcers are complications associated with untreated peptic ulcers. This can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention. Peptic ulcers when left untreated or ignored can give rise to other complications such as perforation, penetration, gastric outlet obstruction and pyloric stenosis. Bleeding ulcers are not rapid in onset but are due to long-term peptic ulcers.
The best method of treatment for a bleeding ulcer is targeting the underlying disease which in this case is a peptic ulcer. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious condition and medical treatment may run up to the thousands of dollars. Knowing the simple progression of the disease and signs and symptoms is essential for better understanding.
Symptoms of Bleeding Ulcers
- Hematemesis or vomiting of blood by patients with a history of peptic ulcers is a signal that a person maybe suffering from a bleeding ulcer.
- Melena or the presence of black tarry stools. These are feces which are black in color and indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Hematemesis and melena can also be caused by other medical conditions. This are associated with gastrointestinal bleeding when a patient is known to be suffering from peptic ulcers.
Bleeding Ulcer Treatment
Endoscopy
A patient showing signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding may undergo endoscopy which is a medical procedure used to visualize and confirm the presence of the disease. The endoscope is a tube that is passed through the mouth down your esophagus and to your stomach. When the area of bleeding is identified, the wound is closed by applying heat usually through laser. Bleeding can also be stopped by tying the area and closing the wound.
This is proving to be a popular way of treating bleeding ulcers because it is non-surgical thus the patient can be discharged more quickly. It is not as traumatic as surgeries because no invasive cutting is required.
Medicines for Bleeding Ulcers
Medicines are used in conjunction with endoscopy to improve effectiveness of treatment. Medications such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac) may be used for stress ulcer and prophylaxis. Cytoprotective agents coats cells and protects them against acids. Anticholinergics, on the other hand, are medications which prevent further acid secretions. Emergency drugs such as Epinephrine are also used to stop bleeding by aiding in blood clotting and narrowing blood vessels. Aspirin is contraindicated or strongly prohibited for patients suffering from bleeding ulcers. Aspirin prevents blood clotting thus promotes more bleeding.
Surgery for Bleeding Ulcers
Surgery is indicated for emergency cases or when other medical treatments such as endoscopy or medicines have failed to arrest bleeding. Exploratory surgery is performed in the abdominal area and the wound area is exposed. The wound is then closed by cauterizing or clamping the blood vessels.
In today’s hectic world where time is of the most importance, simple activities such as maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle are often neglected. Pressures from work or school could also produce stress which cause acid buildup in the stomach which can cause peptic ulcers. Some diseases could easily be prevented by eating right and regular exercise. Bleeding ulcers are medical emergencies which if not prevented or treated early can be life threatening.
It is often said that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Bleeding ulcers are complications of peptic ulcers which have been untreated or ignored. Simple lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can prevent the development of peptic ulcers and eliminate complications such as bleeding ulcers.
Sources:
4 Ways to treat bleeding Ulcers. Retrieved August 21. 2009 from LIVESTRONG.COM: http://www.livestrong.com
Peptic Ulcer. Retrieved August 21, 2009 from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org
Treatment for Bleeding Ulcers. Retrieved Aug 21, 2009 from Ulcer-cure.com: http://www.ulcer-cure.com
Peptic Ulcer. Medical Surgical Nursing (10th Edition). Brunner and Suddarth, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
