1. Bleeding. Bleeding from an ulcer can occur in the stomach or the duodenum and is sometimes the only sign of an ulcer. Bleeding from an ulcer may be slow, causing anemia and fatigue. More rapid bleeding can cause bowel movements to become sticky and tarry black or even bloody. Bleeding ulcers may cause nausea and vomiting of acidified blood that looks like “old coffee grounds.”
2. Perforation. When ulcers are left untreated digestive juices and stomach acid can literally eat a hole in the intestinal lining. Bacteria, food and digestive juices can spill into the abdominal cavity causing sudden, intense pain that requires hospitalization, and often surgery.
3. Obstruction. Chronic inflammation from an ulcer can cause swelling and scarring to occur. Over time scarring may close the outlet of the stomach, preventing food to pass and causing vomiting and weight loss.