The stomach is a potential site for bleeding problems of the digestive tract. Stomach bleeding is most often caused by ulcers—a sore in the inner lining of the stomach. Bleeding in the stomach can also be caused by gastritis, which means inflammation of the stomach. Sometimes it can be caused by tumors or cancer of the stomach.
Ulcerations (sores) in the stomach may be caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylrori) infections, long-term alcohol drinking, taking aspirin and other medicines called NSAIDs.
Stomach bleeding signs may include having black or tarry stool. If vomiting occurs, the vomit may be bloody or have a coffee-grounds appearance. These signs of stomach bleeding may be signs of stomach ulcer, gastritis, or cancer of the stomach.
Treatment of stomach bleeding may depend on the cause. Treating the cause may stop the bleeding as well. If stomach ulcer is the primary cause, the doctor determines the cause of ulceration. If the cause of stomach ulceration is by an H. pylori infection, it can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, other medications may be needed to aid in the healing of the ulcers.
Bleeding of the stomach caused by stomach cancer may need a different treatment approach, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Sometimes, a combination of these treatments may be necessary.
Related Reading: Bleeding in the Digestive Tract
Source:
Bleeding in the Digestive Tract (November 2004). NIH Publication No. 07–1133. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/bleeding/index.htm). Accessed: November 28, 2009
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