Is gastric bleeding always caused by gastric ulcers?
Disease description:
My family member suddenly experienced gastric bleeding, with hematemesis and melena. He has a history of gastric ulcers. Does gastric bleeding always indicate gastric ulcers?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Gastric bleeding is not necessarily caused by gastric ulcers. While gastric ulcers can indeed lead to gastric bleeding—especially when patients neglect dietary precautions, such as consuming excessive alcohol or highly irritating foods, which may irritate the ulcerated area—the resulting complication of gastric bleeding may manifest as hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (black, tarry stools), and fever. However, gastric bleeding may also stem from other underlying conditions, such as esophageal or gastric varices or gastric cancer.
