Gastric ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are sores that form on the thin lining of your stomach, intestines or esophagus, says the Mayo Clinic. Typical symptoms of a gastric ulcer include a burning pain anywhere between your chest and navel (belly button). It can also cause vomiting blood (hemoptysis), changes in appetite and unintentional weight loss. You should understand the complications of gastric ulcers.
Bleeding
According to the Merck Manual, gastric ulcers can lead to bleeding (hemorrhage). Symptoms of bleeding specific to gastric ulcers include vomiting coffee-like material or blood and passing bloody stool (hematochezia). Gastric ulcers can also cause weakness, black stool formation (melena), fainting (syncope), sweating and low blood pressure with changes in your body movement (orthostasis). Typically, your doctor can give you blood transfusions to replace the lost blood.
Perforation and Peritonitis
In some cases, gastric ulcers can eat into your tissue lining and lead to gastric perforation. The Merck Manual says that you will present with the following symptoms: sudden and severe stomach pain that begins in the middle of your stomach and spreads out to the rest of your stomach and even your shoulder. This is called referred pain. Upon physical examination, your doctor will find that your stomach is very rigid. Surgery is the specified treatment for gastric perforation.
Gastric perforation can lead to an infection called peritonitis. This condition refers to a bacterial infection of the tissues that cover your stomach and intestines. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of peritonitis include stomach pain, tenderness, diarrhea, fatigue, a poor appetite and bloating. Typically, your doctor will treat you with antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Your doctor can also cut out the infection via a surgical infection.
Gastric Outlet Obstruction
The Merck Manual says that gastric ulcers can lead to gastric outlet obstruction. Symptoms of this medical condition include vomiting excessively, a poor appetite and weight loss. Excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration and even hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Typically, your doctor can use a nasogastric tube to decompress the obstructed region. He can also give you acid-blocking medications to prevent your stomach acid from irritating your gastrointestinal lining.
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