Peptic ulcerscan cause some discomfort but are rarely life-threatening.
With that said, severe ulcers can sometimes lead toperforationand internal bleeding.
These types of ulcers often require urgentendoscopyand/or emergency surgery to prevent serious illness or death.
Illustration by Lara Antal for Verywell Health
This article discusses the complications of peptic ulcers, warning signs, and when to get medical help.
About 10% of Americans develop at least one peptic ulcer during their lifetime.
Approximately 4.6 million people are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer every year in the United States.
Ulcers can develop at any age but are rare in teenagers and even rarer in children.
Stomach ulcers are more likely to develop in people older than 60.
Duodenal ulcers occur more frequently in men than women.
Stomach ulcers develop more frequently in women than men.
In some cases,complicationscan occur, leading to more severe symptoms.
Internal bleeding affects up to 57 of 100,000 people with peptic ulcers.
Both account for the majority of peptic ulcer-related deaths.
Causes
Ulcers form when the lining of the stomach or duodenum becomes eroded.
Small ulcers may not cause any symptoms, but large ulcers can cause serious bleeding.
Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the inner lining.
A perforation is always considered a medical emergency.
Peptic ulcers can also occur with the prolonged use or overuse ofNSAIDs.
Most ulcers can be treated with medications, includingantibioticsifH.
Other treatments may be required if a peptic ulcer is bleeding.
Surgery may be required if the bleeding cannot be controlled or there is a perforation.
Call 911 for any warning signs of perforation, internal bleeding, or intestinal obstruction.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs include Advil and Motrinboth ibuprofenand Aleve (naproxen sodium).
Prescription NSAIDs include Celebrex (celecoxib), meloxicam, Toradol (ketorolac), and others.
An ulcer triggered by H. pylori will need antibiotics to clear it up.
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