How do I know if I have a bleeding ulcer?

A bleeding ulcer is a peptic ulcer that hasn't been treated and affects the inner lining of the stomach or the small intestine to the point of causing internal bleeding. Common symptoms of bleeding ulcers include loose stools that are black or tarry, abdominal pain, vomiting black or dark red blood, indigestion, nausea, and heartburn. Pain that is caused by a bleeding ulcer depends on the amount of stomach acid. Often the blood acts as a cushion and decreases the pain, so it's possible that a bleeding ulcer may not cause much pain. No matter what the case, a doctor should be consulted. A bleeding ulcer may cause a person to become anemic.   - MG