How long can you go without treating a stomach ulcer?

Many people who have mild ulcer symptoms first try home treatment for a short time without seeing a doctor. But see your doctor if your symptoms don’t get better after 10 to 14 days of home treatment, or if you have other symptoms such as weight loss, nausea after eating, or consistent pain.

How long can a person live with stomach ulcers?

Results: Cure of active peptic ulcer increases life expectancy by 2.3 yr in persons aged 40-44 yr and 121 days in persons aged 70-74 yr. More substantial impact occurs in complicated ulcer, with increases in life expectancy ranging between 26.1 and 6.3 yr.

What happens if you don’t treat stomach ulcers?

But if you don’t treat them, the ulcers tend to come back. They can erode the blood vessel wall in your stomach or small intestine. The ulcers also can eat a hole through the lining and get infected. Or they can cause swelling, which may block food from moving from your stomach into your small intestine.

When should you go to the ER for an ulcer?

An ulcer that is bleeding more heavily may cause stools that are black and tarry, or signs of blood in your stool or vomit. These latter symptoms can be an indication of a life-threatening condition, and you should proceed immediately to an emergency room.

What happens if you ignore an ulcer?

A sore or lesion forms in the lining and, if untreated, can lead to increased pain and bleeding. Some common initial symptoms include a burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen or lower chest, a bloated feeling after eating, nausea and vomiting, and constipation.

What happens when stomach ulcer bursts?

A perforated ulcer is a serious condition in which an untreated ulcer can burn through the wall of the stomach, allowing digestive juices and food to seep into the peritoneum (abdominal cavity). This can lead to peritonitis (inflammation of the intestinal wall) and sepsis (a severe reaction to infection).

How do you know if an ulcer has burst?

Symptoms of a perforated ulcer Sudden, severe pain in the belly (abdomen), usually in the upper abdomen. Pain spreading to the back or shoulder. Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting. Lack of appetite or feeling full.

Are stomach ulcers an emergency?

Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the inner lining. A hole in the stomach or duodenum is called a perforation. This is a medical emergency. The most common cause of ulcers is infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori).