Complications of Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer is a common disease of the gastrointestinal tract that occurs due to an imbalance of gastric juice. It can lead to various complications that can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. In this article we will look at the most common complications of peptic ulcer disease and methods of treating them.

Perforation of the ulcer

Perforation of an ulcer is the formation of a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum, in which the contents of the stomach enter the abdominal cavity. This condition is extremely life-threatening and requires immediate surgical intervention. Characteristic symptoms are sharp, stabbing pain in the abdomen, dry tongue, tight and flat stomach, elevated body temperature and sweating. If immediate measures are not taken to eliminate the perforation, the patient's condition will worsen and death may occur. If you suspect a perforation of the ulcer, you should immediately call an ambulance. Treatment for perforation of an ulcer involves emergency surgery. Usually the tear is stitched, and in some cases it may be necessary to remove part of the affected organ.

Ulcer penetration

Penetration of an ulcer is the formation of a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum, which opens not into the abdominal cavity, but into nearby organs, such as the pancreas or intestines. Characteristic symptoms are nocturnal pain attacks in the upper abdomen, which can radiate to the back. The pain cannot be relieved by any pills. Treatment for penetrating ulcers is urgent and involves surgery.

Bleeding

The growth of an ulcer can lead to the exposure of blood vessels in the wall of the affected organ, which is corroded by acid and bleeding occurs. Symptoms depend on the amount of blood lost, and may include sudden weakness, fainting, drop in blood pressure, vomiting red blood or "coffee grounds" (clotted blood), and loose, tarry black stools. Treatment of bleeding is possible only in a surgical hospital. To identify the source of bleeding, gastroscopy is performed. If the bleeding has stopped, the patient is left in the hospital for observation for 3-5 days. If bleeding cannot be stopped during gastroscopy, surgery may be required.

Stenosis

Stenosis (narrowing) is a condition in which an ulcer causes a narrowing of the outlet of the stomach or duodenum. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain after eating, weight loss and indigestion. Treatment consists of stretching the stenosis using a gastroscope or surgery.

Peritonitis

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the abdominal cavity that occurs when an ulcer is perforated or other complications occur when the contents of the stomach enter the abdominal cavity. Symptoms are acute, stabbing abdominal pain, elevated body temperature, vomiting, stool disturbances and severe general deterioration in the patient’s condition. Treatment consists of emergency surgery, during which infected tissue is removed and antibiotic therapy is administered.

Conclusion

Peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications that can be life-threatening. To prevent or promptly treat complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of a peptic ulcer, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bowel movements and weight loss. Treatment for complications of peptic ulcers mainly involves surgery, but in some cases drug therapy may be required.