15) Hemorrhage and Shock
Perforation of an ulcer can result in bleeding from the surrounding blood vessels. If bleeding is severe and not treated promptly, it can lead to shock. Shock results from excessive loss of blood from the body. Its main symptoms include active bleeding (internal or external), lightheadedness, fainting, low blood pressure, rapid pulse and shortness of breath. It is a potentially life-threatening condition and should be treated quickly in the hospital.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially the dangerous ones, don’t waste your time and consult your healthcare provider. In the majority of the cases, the underlying cause is an infection by H. Pylori that can be treated by specific antibiotics. If the underlying cause is overuse of NSAIDs, your doctor will recommend you to immediately stop the medicine and replace them with other options.
