Are bleeding peptic ulcers considered an emergency?

Only Reason I Ask Is Because I have one...And I'm Pretty Sure It Is Bleeding Now.

Hi, Ricki:

Yes I would consider this to be an emergency an you should see your personal doctor right away or if you don't have one get yourself to an emergency room at your local hospital.

Reasons:
Bleeding may result from other gastrointestinal conditions as well, but your doctor will begin thier investigation by looking for the source of bleeding in the stomach and duodenum. Unless bleeding is massive, a doctor performs an endoscopy (an examination using a flexible viewing tube). If a bleeding ulcer is seen, the endoscope can be used to cauterize it. If the source can't be found and the bleeding isn't severe, treatment include taking ulcer drugs, such as h2 antagonists, and antacids. You may also receive intravenous fluids and takes nothing by mounth, so the gastrointestinal tract can rest. If the bleeding is massive or persistent, a doctor may use the endoscpe to inject a material that causes clotting. If this measure fails, surgery is required.

Wish you all the best. Please don't let this go without treatment or you will find yourself having the ulcer turn to cancer.

yes go to the e.r.

Yes I would go to the ER

It all depends on how badly it is bleeding.

Yes. You could bleed to death.

YES ! Go to emergency room now.

Yes!

Yes i would go to the E.R

take a look at http://www.webmd.com search about ulcers there...

Only if it persists. DO NOT take any medication containing NSAIDs. I have one, and it was bleeding, but stopped on it's own. Just don't eat anything spicy either! Drink milk to sooth....but I am NOT a Dr. and if you feel you need to go to the ER...go!

Yes, that is what I did when I had a bleeding ulcer.
Hopefully you left already.

How do you know you have a bleeding ulcer? You must have "iron taste" or "hematemesis" (vomitting blood)? Most cases of peptic ulcers are caused by a microorganism H. pylori so ulcers can be treated with antibiotics. Other type of ulcers can be related to stress or trauma/surgeries!!! If you vomit blood you must go to the ER, if not see a Doc on Monday!!

Yes - it could escalate to a life threatening situation very quickly. Go to your closest ER. Have someone drive you.