Ulcer Symptoms Blood In Stool

How Do You Know If An Ulcer Is Bleeding

How do you know if an ulcer is bleeding? Blood is discharged from the ulcer which flows into the digestive tract. Some of the signs of bleedingulcer are vomiting blood , bloody stool , nose bleed, extreme tiredness, loss of weight, nausea and dizziness.

What are the warning signs of an ulcer? Here are 8 warning signs indicating an ulcer, including the following: 1. Discoloration of Stool. The ulcer can cause discolored stools that appear darker, stained or bloody. 2. Loss of appetite. Many people experience loss of appetite due to sudden and intense stomach pains.

How to recognize the signs of an ulcer? Signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer. The main symptom of a peptic ulcer is a burning sensation in the abdomen, which can be felt from the belly button up to the chest. This burning sensation can vary in intensity and may change from the moment you wake up to when you go back to sleep. In its early stage, a small peptic ulcer may be symptomless.

Do you know all the symptoms of a bleeding ulcer? A bleeding ulcer may require surgery. Severe stomach discomfort, nausea, dizziness, and low blood pressure may be signs of a bleeding ulcer. Intestinal upset can be a sign of a bleeding ulcer.

Treatment Of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding varies depending on the condition and the lifestyle of the patient. Patients who smoke or drink should quit their habits to allow the bleeding to subside. If damaging elements are removed, the bleeding can go away on its own. However, if the bleeding continues over time and the habits do not change, it can become chronic. It may not stop and worsen over time.

Doctors may also recommend an endoscopy. The procedure involves the use of an endoscope, which is a unique scope equipped with a small camera and a laser that goes down the throat. The device tunnels through the digestive tract and pinpoints the bleeding, and the laser attachment can help stop the bleeding. Antibiotics may also help inflammation.

Why Is There Blood In My Stool Rectal Bleeding

Lets face it nobody likes seeing their own blood outside their body, especially from their bum or in their stool. Finishing up on the toilet and wiping only to find smears of red on the paper can be unsettling. Even more alarming is peeking into the bowl to find red stool . While the presence of blood certainly needs to be addressed, there are several different potential reasons it could have happened some more serious than others.

Most people with minor rectal bleeding dont have colon cancer or another serious condition, so dont immediately freak out! However, it is not possible to know the cause of bleeding without an examination by a physician. For this reason, if you ever notice blood in your stool or bleeding from your rectum, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. They can give you advice about whether and when you should be examined or schedule tests. Large amounts of blood should be dealt with immediately at the hospital.

You should also seek medical care if you notice a change in the frequency or consistency of your bowel movements, have abdominal pain, or feel very tired or weak.

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Causes Of Blood In Stool

Blood in stool means there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. Sometimes the amount of blood is so small that it can only be detected by a fecal occult test . At other times it may visible on toilet tissue or in the toilet after a bowel movement as bright red blood. Bleeding that happens higher up in the digestive tract may make stool appear black and tarry.

Possible causes of blood in stool include:

Diverticular disease. Diverticula are small pouches that project from the colon wall. Usually diverticula don’t cause problems, but sometimes they can bleed or become infected.

. A small cut or tear in the tissue lining the similar to the cracks that occur in chapped lips or a paper cut. Fissures are often caused by passing a large, hard stool and can be painful.

Colitis. Inflammation of the colon. Among the more common causes are infections or inflammatory bowel disease.

Angiodysplasia. A condition in which fragile, abnormal blood vessels lead to bleeding.

Peptic ulcers. An open sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the upper end of the small intestine. Many peptic ulcers are caused by infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori . Long-term use or high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can also cause ulcers.

Esophageal problems. Varicose veins of the esophagus or tears in the esophagus can lead to severe blood loss.

Why Does It Happen

The reasons vary, depending on where the bleeding is happening.

If itâs in your esophagus causes can include:

Esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux. Stomach acid that returns, or “refluxes,” back into the esophagus from the stomach can cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus that may lead to bleeding. Read more about gastroesophageal reflux .

Varices. These are abnormally enlarged veins usually located at the lower end of the esophagus or the upper stomach. They may break open and bleed. Cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of esophageal varices. Learn more about the symptoms of bleeding varices.

Mallory-Weiss tear. This is a tear in the lining of the esophagus. Itâs usually caused by severe vomiting. It can also happen due to things that increase pressure in your belly, such as coughing, hiccupping, or childbirth. Find out more on nausea and vomiting.

Bleeding from the stomach can be caused by:

Gastritis. This is inflammation in the stomach. Alcohol and some pain medicines can cause it. Watch a video about gastritis.

Ulcers. Ones in the stomach may enlarge and erode through a blood vessel, causing bleeding. Aside from medication, the most common cause of these is an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Also, people who have had burns, shock, head injuries, or cancer, and those who’ve had major surgery, may get stress-related stomach ulcers. Get the facts on peptic ulcers.

Cancer of the stomach.

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Bleeding From Peptic Ulcer Or From Esophagus:

Gastritis and peptic ulcers are commonly associated with IBS. Bleeding from an ulcer in the wall of your stomach or duodenum will cause vomiting of blood or passage of blackish stool which is digested blood .

In certain cases where the bleeding is severe, there may be reddish blood in large amounts. This is because the blood doesnt have enough time to be digested and turn black.

What Are Different Types Of Blood In The Stool

There may be some signs that help determine where the blood is coming from in your GI tract and the possible cause.

Here are some ways you may experience rectal bleeding:

• Bright red blood when you wipe

• Red-tinged water in the toilet

• Bright red streaks on the outside of your stool

• Bright red blood mixed in with your stool

• Blood mixed with mucus and stool

• Bloody diarrhea

• Dark, smelly stool

The color of your stool and the color of the blood itself can be particularly helpful in identifying the cause of the bleeding.

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What Causes Bleeding From The Rectal Area

There are many causes of rectal bleeding. Common causes include hemorrhoids, , diverticulosis, infection, inflammation , blood vessel problems . Other causes of rectal bleeding include polyps, tumors, trauma, an upper gastrointestinal source like stomach ulcers, and Meckelâs diverticulum . Ischemia of the bowel occurs when blood flow to the bowel reduces or stops. For example, ischemic colitis usually occurs at the junction of the transverse and descending colon and can produce bright red or maroon blood. This article provides some of the details of the major causes of rectal bleeding.

Alternative Treatments For Stomach Ulcers

There is some evidence for a beneficial effect of these agents on ulcers:

• Bismuth, a metal and main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol

• Fish oil or fish oil supplements, which may inhibit the growth of H. pylori

• Licorice, deglycyrrhizinated , which may work in place of bismuth as a stomach lining protectant. It may also inhibit H. pylori bacterial growth, based on studies of GutGard. DGL is also a common alternative remedy for indigestion.

• Mastic gum, based on its antimicrobial properties, particularly against H. pylori

• Probiotics to help replenish your gut with good bacteria during antibiotic treatment

• Vitamin C, based on its antioxidant properties

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How Are Peptic Ulcers Treated

Treatment will depend on the type of ulcer you have. Your healthcare provider will create a care plan for you based on what is causing your ulcer.

Treatment can include making lifestyle changes, taking medicines, or in some cases having surgery.

Lifestyle changes may include:

• Not eating certain foods. Avoid any foods that make your symptoms worse.
• Quitting smoking. Smoking can keep your ulcer from healing. It is also linked to ulcers coming back after treatment.
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine. They can make your symptoms worse.
• Not using NSAIDs . These include aspirin and ibuprofen.

Medicines to treat ulcers may include:

• Antibiotics. These bacteria-fighting medicines are used to kill the H. pylori bacteria. Often a mix of antibiotics and other medicines is used to cure the ulcer and get rid of the infection.
• H2-blockers . These reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes by blocking the hormone histamine. Histamine helps to make acid.
• Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs. These lower stomach acid levels and protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum.
• Mucosal protective agents. These medicines protect the stomachs mucus lining from acid damage so that it can heal.
• Antacids. These quickly weaken or neutralize stomach acid to ease your symptoms.

In most cases, medicines can heal ulcers quickly. Once the H. pylori bacteria is removed, most ulcers do not come back.

If Your Ulcer Was Caused By Helicobacter Pylori

Most stomach ulcers are caused by infection with H. pylori. Therefore, a main part of the treatment is to clear this infection. If this infection is not cleared, the ulcer is likely to return once you stop taking acid-suppressing medication. For more information, see the separate leaflet called Helicobacter Pylori.

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How Can I Be Sure Its An Ulcer

The only way to be sure an ulcer is causing your discomfort is with a medical diagnosis. We will evaluate your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination.

To determine the root cause of your ulcer, we may run blood, stool, or breath tests. These tests are designed to look for signs of helicobacter pylori, the bacteria linked to ulcers.

Depending on your unique symptoms, we may also order an endoscopy. During an endoscopy, we insert a tube with a tiny camera down your throat and into your stomach to take pictures of any potential damage and collect tissue samples for analysis.

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Fainting Or Passing Out

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After sitting or lying down for a long amount of time, the person who tries to stand up may experience lightheadedness which may lead to fainting. This happens because the body doesnât pump enough blood to the brain as much as necessary.

A display of faintness during situations like standing or sitting after prolonged lying down in a patient with stomach ulcer can be an indication of bleeding. With increased blood loss, the person may become anemic. The individual will usually feel weak and sleepy most of the day. It makes them feel exhausted as well.

• Ian LP Beales . Advances in the Therapy of Bleeding Peptic Ulcer.

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Symptoms Of Pooping Blood

For many people, the only symptoms of blood in stool is noticing bright red blood on toilet paper or drops of blood in the toilet bowl. Very often, there is no pain when passing blood in stool. However, depending on the cause of rectal bleeding you might have other associated symptoms with blood in stool.

According to gastroenterologist Dr. Jay Markes, symptoms of blood in poop can include:2

• Dizziness or lightheadedness if a person is passing a lot of blood in stool
• Abdominal pain or discomfort if the rectal bleeding is associated with a gastrointestinal problem
• Spots of blood on underwear
• Hemorrhoids that are visible in a rectal examination

What Is The Treatment For Ulcers

If you have ulcer symptoms, see your doctor. Prompt treatment can prevent excessive bleeding and other complications.

Ulcers are usually diagnosed after an upper GI endoscopy . An endoscope is a long flexible tube with a light and camera on the end. The tube is inserted into your throat, then to the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. Learn how to prepare for an endoscopy here.

Generally performed as an outpatient procedure, it allows the doctor to locate and identify problems in the stomach and upper intestine.

Bleeding ulcers must be addressed quickly, and treatment can start during the initial endoscopy. If bleeding from ulcers is found during the endoscopy, the doctor can:

• inject medication directly
• cauterize the ulcer to stop the bleeding
• clamp off the bleeding vessel

If you have an ulcer, youll be tested for H. pylori. This can be done using a tissue sample taken during the endoscopy. It can also be accomplished with noninvasive tests such as a stool sample or breath test.

If you have the infection, antibiotics and other drugs can help fight the bacteria and ease symptoms. To be certain you get rid of it, you must finish taking the medication as directed, even if your symptoms stop.

If your ulcers are the result of taking too many NSAIDs, work with your doctor to find another medication to treat pain.

Over-the-counter antacids sometimes relieve symptoms. Ask your doctor if its okay to take antacids.

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What Is The Cause Of Peptic Ulcers

When you eat, your stomach produces hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin to digest the food.

• The food is partially digested in the stomach and then moves on to the duodenum to continue the process.
• Peptic ulcers occur when the acid and enzyme overcome the defense mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract and erode the mucosal wall.

In the past it was thought that ulcers were caused by lifestyle factors such as eating habits, cigarettesmoking, and stress.

• Now it is understood that people with ulcers have an imbalance between acid and pepsin coupled with the digestive tracts inability to protect itself from these harsh substances.
• Research done in the 1980s showed that some ulcers are caused by infection with a bacterium named Helicobacter pylori, usually called H pylori.
• Not everyone who gets an ulcer is infected with H pylori. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause ulcers if taken regularly.

Some types of medical therapy can contribute to ulcer formation. The following factors can weaken the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach increasing the chances of getting an ulcer and slow the healing of existing ulcers.

• Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , and newer anti-inflammatory medications
• Cigarettesmoking
• Radiation therapy:-used for diseases such as cancer

People who take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications are at an increased risk even if they do not have H pylori infection.

Other Causes And Factors

Other causes are rare. For example, some viral infections can cause a stomach ulcer. Crohns disease may cause a stomach ulcer in addition to other problems of the gut.

Stomach cancer may at first look similar to an ulcer. Stomach cancer is uncommon but may need to be ruled out if you are found to have a stomach ulcer.

If your stomach ulcers caused by a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, youll be given:

• a course of antibiotics
• a medication called a proton pump inhibitor

This is also recommended if its thought your stomach ulcers caused by a combination of an H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .

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Blood In Stool Treatments

A doctor may use one of several techniques to stop acute bleeding. Often endoscopy is used to inject chemicals into the site of bleeding, treat the bleeding site with an electric current or laser, or apply a band or clip to close the bleeding vessel. If endoscopy does not control bleeding, the doctor may use angiography to inject medicine into the blood vessels to control bleeding.

Beyond stopping the immediate bleeding, if necessary, treatment involves addressing the cause of bleeding to keep it from returning. Treatment varies depending on the cause and may include medications such as antibiotics to treat H. pylori, ones to suppress acid in the stomach, or anti-inflammatory drugs to treat colitis. Surgery may be needed to remove polyps or the parts of the colon damaged by cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Depending on the cause, however, treatment may involve simple things you can do on your own. These including eating a high-fiber diet to relieve constipation that can cause and aggravate hemorrhoids and , and taking a Sitz bath, which means sitting in warm water to relieve fissures and hemorrhoids.

Your doctor will prescribe or recommend treatment based on the diagnosis.

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