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Peptic ulcers - when to see a doctor

Last updated: Friday, February 05, 2010 Print
 

Contact your doctor if:

  • You have an ulcer and develop sudden, severe abdominal pain that your usual home treatment does not relieve
  • You suspect that you may have an ulcer but your symptoms do not improve within two weeks of home treatment
  • You have been diagnosed with a stomach ulcer and suddenly get symptoms of anaemia, such as pallor, dizziness, weakness and fatigue – your ulcer may be bleeding and need medical attention.
  • You have stomach ulcer symptoms and you have severe back pain – your ulcer may be perforating the wall of the stomach. You may need urgent surgery.
  • You have stomach ulcer symptoms and vomit blood, which gastric acid may have changed to look like ground coffee – you may have internal bleeding. It is important to call a health professional urgently.
  • You have an ulcer and become cold and clammy, feel faint or actually faint – these are symptoms of shock, usually due to massive blood loss. You’ll require immediate medical attention.You feel the kind of pain associated with a peptic ulcer and shortness of breath or other symptoms that might be related to heart problems. See a doctor urgently.

Note: that two to three percent of stomach ulcers become stomach cancer – report all continuing or recurrent symptoms to your doctor.

(Health24, December 2004)

 

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