Can peptic ulcer cause iron deficiency anaemia?

An ulcer is a break in the lining of the stomach or upper intestine. Bleeding may be too small to see, or it may cause dark, sticky stools or vomiting of blood. Losing blood also means losing iron, which the body needs to make haemoglobin. Tiredness, reduced stamina, dizziness, pale skin or breathlessness can occur, but these symptoms have other possible causes.

Arrange a medical assessment if anaemia is suspected or you notice persistent indigestion with fatigue. A clinician may check a blood count and iron stores, test for causes of ulcers and review medicines such as anti-inflammatory painkillers. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. Iron tablets may help replace iron, but the bleeding source still needs evaluation and treatment.

Seek emergency help for vomiting blood, black tar-like stools, fainting, severe weakness, sudden abdominal pain or breathlessness at rest. These can indicate significant bleeding. Even without dramatic symptoms, unexplained iron deficiency anaemia warrants timely review because an ulcer is one possible source and treatment should not be delayed.

Could an ulcer explain my iron results? Which tests are needed? Could my pain medicines be contributing? Do I need testing for ulcer-related infection or an examination of the stomach? What symptoms should prompt emergency care?