Is Severe Gastric Ulcer Dangerous?

Hello,

Yes — the symptoms you describe are most likely a manifestation of severe gastric ulcer , a condition that causes deep damage to the stomach lining due to long-term, uncontrolled disease. If not treated promptly, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach perforation.

Common causes of worsening gastric ulcers

– Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection : This is the leading cause of stomach ulcers. When not treated thoroughly, this bacteria damages the protective mucosal layer, causing stomach acid to “corrode” the stomach wall.

– Abuse of NSAID pain relievers : Aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac… if used for a long time will inhibit prostaglandin – a substance that protects the stomach lining – leading to ulcers.

– Prolonged stress, severe stress : This condition increases acid secretion and reduces blood flow to the mucosa, making ulcers difficult to heal.

– Alcohol, tobacco, spicy foods : Directly irritate damaged mucosa, promoting the spread of ulcers.

In the clinic, I have seen many patients who were subjective with the pain for a long time, and only rushed to the hospital when they vomited blood - at that time the ulcer had eaten deep, even perforated the stomach.

Warning signs of severe gastric ulcer require immediate hospitalization

You should go to an emergency medical facility if any of the following signs appear:

– Severe epigastric pain , feels like being stabbed by a knife, does not subside even after taking regular painkillers.

– Vomiting fresh blood or dark brown fluid like “coffee grounds” – this is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

– Black, sticky, foul-smelling stools (called melena) due to partially digested blood from the stomach.

– Rapid weight loss, prolonged fatigue, pale skin – signs of chronic anemia due to slow blood loss.

– Difficulty swallowing, vomiting old food, feeling of constant fullness – may suggest pyloric stenosis due to ulcer scarring.

These signs not only reflect the severity of the injury but also indicate a high risk of complications.

Dangerous complications if severe gastric ulcers are ignored

– Gastrointestinal bleeding : Ulcer eats into large blood vessels → massive bleeding → shock, cardiovascular collapse if bleeding is not stopped promptly.

– Stomach perforation : A hole in the stomach wall causes gastric juice to leak into the abdominal cavity → peritonitis – urgent surgical emergency.

– Pyloric stenosis : Post-ulcer scarring narrows the exit of the stomach → food stagnation, vomiting, exhaustion.

– Gastric cancer : Chronic ulceration, especially in combination with Hp infection, increases the risk of metaplasia and adenocarcinoma.

Instructions for treatment and prevention of recurrence

When you suspect severe gastric ulcer , you should not take medicine on your own or hesitate:

– Go to the hospital immediately if there are signs of bleeding (vomiting blood, black stools) or sudden severe abdominal pain.

– Adhere to the treatment regimen : The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill Hp, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid secretion, and mucosal protective drugs. The course of treatment usually lasts 4–8 weeks – you must take the full course, do not stop early even if the symptoms have improved.

– Radical lifestyle change :

– Absolutely avoid alcohol, beer, cigarettes, and strong coffee.

– Do not eat spicy, sour, fried or fermented foods.

– Eat on time, divide meals into small portions, chew thoroughly.

– Manage stress with meditation, light exercise, and enough sleep.

I always advise my patients: “Treating stomach ulcers is not just about taking medicine – it's about changing the way you live.”

Severe gastric ulcer is not just a “normal stomach ache”. It is the result of a long-term accumulation of damage that can lead to dangerous complications if ignored. If you have persistent symptoms or warning signs, do not hesitate – see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis through endoscopy and proper treatment will help you avoid unfortunate consequences.