What causes ulcers? There's a layer of mucus in your digestive tract that helps protect the gut lining. When there's too much acid or not enough mucus, the acid erodes the surface of your stomach or small intestine. The result is an open sore that can bleed.

What is a bleeding peptic ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Your ulcer is bleeding or at high risk of bleeding. This means that you need treatment right away. Treatment can include medicines. It may also include a procedure such as endoscopy, angiography, or surgery.

Is bleeding common in peptic ulcer?

Internal bleeding is the most common complication of stomach ulcers. It can occur when an ulcer develops at the site of a blood vessel. The bleeding can either be: slow, long-term bleeding, leading to anaemia – causing fatigue, breathlessness, pale skin and heart palpitations (noticeable heartbeats)