Bleeding Ulcer
There are many people who have Peptic Ulcer disease. In these cases the ulcer needs to be treated, if it is not treated in time the chances then develop for a Bleeding Ulcer to occur. Besides being caused by the peptic ulcer, bleeding ulcers can be caused by other factors.
The most common reasons for a Bleeding Ulcer to develop are the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, using non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol, excessive amounts of epithelial exposure to acid and pepsin. These may be some of the main reasons.
The other additional reasons include G-cell hyperplasia, herpes simplex virus infection, cytomegalovirus, vascular insufficiency, radiation, and chemotherapy and hypersecretory syndromes like gastrinomas.
There are times when using NASAIDs can contribute towards the formation of a bleeding ulcer. The NASAIDs have certain properties that can inhibit prostaglandins. This inhibition impairs the formation of the stomachs protective mucous barrier. There is a 20% overall lifetime risk for people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to develop a Bleeding Ulcer as opposed to those people who dont use the NASAIDs.
Should you develop a Bleeding Ulcer that is caused by the use of NASAIDs then there certain risk factors that you should be aware of. For these people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and are above 70 years of age bleeding ulcers can cause cardiac disease and concomitant corticosteroid use.
For the various people who have peptic ulcers and are using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs it is a better option to use proton pump inhibitors as these may be more helpful in the treatment of peptic ulcers than the NASAIDs. Therefore the use of these will prevent your peptic ulcer from developing into a bleeding ulcer.
The other medication the is beneficial in preventing a Bleeding Ulcer is that of Misoprostol. This medication can reduce the chances of a peptic ulcer from developing and then turning into a Bleeding Ulcer because of the usage of NASAIDs. There are however side effects. These include diarrhea, cramping and abdominal pains.
To indicate to us if we are suffering from a Bleeding Ulcer there are symptoms and signs that will be displayed. These symptoms may include the following black, tarry, loose stools that may be accompanied by abdominal cramping, vomiting blood. This blood may have a bright red color or it could be black like coffee grounds. The other symptoms of a Bleeding Ulcer are nausea, heartburn and indigestion.
If you suspect that you have a peptic ulcer or even a Bleeding Ulcer due to the symptoms that were described then you should see a doctor as soon as possible as there may be complications that can arise.
