If you experience symptoms you should seek medical attention. Obstruction An obstruction can occur when scar tissue blocks the path of food near the stomach outlet. Bloating, nausea and vomiting of undigested food are possible symptoms of obstruction. Perforation A relatively rare complication, perforation occurs when the ulcer progresses to the point where a hole develops in the wall of the stomach or duodenum. Perforation is usually accompanied by severe gastric distress with pain, shock, and hardening of the abdomen secondary to peritonitis.
Perforation is a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention.
Bleeding Bleeding can occur when stomach acid or an ulcer breaks through a blood vessel. Black, tarry stools or vomit that resembles coffee grounds are symptoms of a bleeding ulcer. Stomach acid changes the red color of blood to a dark color, but if bleeding is severe, bright red blood may appear in the vomit or stool. Treatment Historically, the diagnosis of ulcer disease meant a farewell to spicy foods and a diet of bland foods and milk. Restrictive diets are generally not necessary.