Is Stomach Ulcer Serious?

In most cases, the prognosis for patients with stomach ulcers is quite positive, and they do not lead to severe complications. With the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), ulcer healing can be significantly improved. Additionally, effective eradication of Helicobacter pylori has been shown to greatly reduce the recurrence rate of ulcers.

However, if left untreated, stomach ulcers can result in serious health issues. Below are some of the major complications associated with neglected ulcers:

One of the most common complications is upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This may present as vomiting blood, passing black tarry stools, or even vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds or contains fresh blood. In severe cases, this can lead to hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss.

Another critical complication is perforation. This occurs when the ulcer creates a hole in the wall of the stomach, causing sudden and intense upper abdominal pain. The pain typically spreads across the entire abdomen and may lead to symptoms of acute peritonitis. If not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening.

Moreover, recurrent ulcers can cause scarring over time. As scar tissue builds up, it may obstruct the gastric outlet, leading to a condition known as gastric outlet obstruction. Patients may experience persistent bloating after meals, nausea, vomiting, and in more advanced cases, they may regurgitate undigested food from previous meals. When this happens, surgical intervention is often required to resolve the issue effectively.

In summary, while most stomach ulcers are treatable and not life-threatening, timely medical care is crucial to prevent potentially dangerous complications.