Experts state that stomach bleeding has increased especially in recent years and the main reasons for this are negatively changing eating habits, increasing drug use and stressful life. Although the number of deaths from gastric bleeding has decreased thanks to developing technologies, this disease is still considered dangerous.
What is stomach bleeding and why?
Stomach bleeding is in the group of internal bleeding, usually due to stomach disorders. The most common causes are ulcers and gastritis. In gastric ulcer, the mucosa is irritated, bleeding occurs as a result of the perforation of the gastric vessel, in gastritis there is no perforation, but bleeding may occur from the wounds accumulated in the stomach. Sometimes even the use of a simple drug can cause bleeding.
What are the symptoms?
The patient vomits and blood comes out of his mouth. Its color is usually dark and resembles coffee grounds. In some cases, bloody and dark stools may also be seen. Dizziness, weakness, fainting, feeling of thirst, dry mouth, low blood pressure and, in more advanced cases, life-threatening shock are among the symptoms.
What should we do first when we have stomach bleeding?
Nothing should be given by mouth to a patient who has gastric bleeding. The patient should not be tried to induce vomiting by giving water or a food. Vital signs should be checked, regurgitation of vomited blood should be prevented and first aid team should be called immediately.
How is the treatment done?
After the doctor’s intervention, serum and blood transfusions are given to the patient who is taken to the hospital when necessary. This varies from patient to patient and according to the condition of the disease. Afterwards, usually, endoscopy is performed and medication is given through a vein. The reason for performing the endoscopic procedure is to find the cause of bleeding and intervene accordingly. In rare cases, in addition to the endoscopic procedure, surgical intervention can be performed if the situation is worse.
