A stomach ulcer is an open skin lesion that occurs along the lining of your stomach. The two major types of stomach ulcers are duodenal and gastric ulcers, which are collectively referred to as peptic ulcers. These types of stomach ulcers may be caused by a variety of factors including stress, smoking or the bacterium H. pylori. Symptoms of stomach ulcers may involve burning stomach pain, vomiting or blood in the stools. Treatment of peptic stomach ulcers includes medication that kills the bacteria or blocks the release of excess acid into the stomach. If left untreated, stomach ulcers may cause a number of complications.
Internal Bleeding
A stomach ulcer may cause a hole---or perforation---to form within your stomach, which can lead to extensive internal bleeding. When stomach ulcers first form, the amount of blood loss is typically minimal. If left untreated, the ulcer may cause you to lose a significant amount of blood, which can be life-threatening. If you develop internal bleeding, you may observe blood in your stools or vomit. Significant blood loss due to a stomach ulcer may also lead to additional medical complications, such as anemia, which could require hospitalization.
Infection
If you have a stomach ulcer that causes a hole to form within your stomach, you may be at an increased risk of developing an infection within your abdomen---a condition called peritonitis. Symptoms of peritonitis may include abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite or nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, this infection can be life-threatening. If you develop a stomach ulcer and continue to experience severe symptoms, speak with your doctor immediately.
Stomach Obstruction
Internal bleeding or infection caused by a stomach ulcer can lead to the formation of scar tissue within the stomach. This scar tissue can build up and decrease the size of the stomach, which might make it difficult to normally digest food. Swelling and inflammation caused by infection may also narrow the stomach and digestive tract. If this occurs, you can experience stomach pain, vomiting or abnormal weight loss.
Stomach Cancer
The most common cause of stomach ulcers is the presence of the H. pylori bacterium within the intestinal tract. This type of bacteria, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center, may be toxic to the stomach, which can lead to the formation of stomach cancer. Cancer of the stomach can cause an increase in the occurrence or severity of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. If left untreated, stomach cancer may spread to other organs within the body, which can be fatal in certain cases.
