Name of the Condition

• Acute Gastric Ulcer with Hemorrhage
• ICD-10 Code: K25.0

Summary

Acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage is a condition characterized by painful sores on the lining of the stomach that result in bleeding. This can cause significant gastrointestinal bleeding and may require urgent medical attention.

Causes

• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Severe stress from illness or injury

Risk Factors

• Age (more common in older adults)
• History of ulcers
• Chronic use of NSAIDs
• Excessive alcohol use
• Smoking
• Stressful lifestyle

Symptoms

• Sharp or burning stomach pain
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Black, tarry stools
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or fainting

Diagnosis

• Endoscopy to visually inspect the ulcer
• Blood tests to check for anemia
• Stool tests for hidden blood
• Urea breath test to detect H. pylori infection

Treatment Options

• Proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonists to reduce stomach acid and promote healing
• Antibiotics if H. pylori infection is present
• Medications to protect the stomach lining
• Endoscopic interventions to control bleeding
• Surgery in severe cases, if there is significant bleeding or perforation

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, most acute gastric ulcers heal, but follow-up is crucial to ensure the ulcer is healing and to prevent recurrence.
• Regular check-ups may be needed to adjust medications and monitor healing.

Complications

• Perforation of the stomach lining
• Severe blood loss leading to anemia
• Increased risk of gastric cancer in chronic ulcers
• Recurrence of ulcers

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoid NSAIDs and seek alternative pain relief
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Manage stress effectively
• Follow a healthy diet, avoiding spicy and acidic foods

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as vomiting blood, black stools, or severe abdominal pain.

Additional Resources

• American Gastroenterological Association: gastro.org
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: niddk.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Verify that documentation indicates both the presence of an acute gastric ulcer and associated hemorrhage.
• Avoid confusion with chronic ulcers or ulcers in other parts of the digestive tract.