At age 29, a young woman was rushed to the hospital with gastrointestinal bleeding caused by a duodenal ulcer. Doctors warn that if you don’t give up these two habits early, anyone can end up in the same situation.

Huu Nghi Hospital recently received an emergency case involving a patient who fainted without a clear cause. The 29-year-old woman arrived with pale skin, low blood pressure, rapid pulse, and signs of circulatory shock, leading the emergency team to suspect hemorrhagic shock due to blood loss.

Recognizing the critical condition, the team immediately initiated resuscitation with IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and simultaneous diagnostic testing. Through information provided by family members, doctors learned that the patient had passed black stools the previous day and had become extremely fatigued. She had recently quit her job, was searching for new employment, and frequently stayed up late using her phone. A rectal exam confirmed the presence of black stool, indicating upper gastrointestinal bleeding. After discussion, doctors decided to perform an emergency endoscopy.

Endoscopy results revealed duodenal ulcer bleeding. The medical team intervened promptly with hemostatic clipping and continuous medication to prevent recurrence. Thanks to the rapid and accurate response, the patient survived the critical phase, regained consciousness, and stabilized. She is being monitored and is expected to be discharged within 3–5 days, along with preventive counseling.

According to Dr. Le Xuan Ha (Department of General Internal Medicine A – Huu Nghi Hospital):
“Gastrointestinal bleeding is extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It is more common in older adults, but younger people can also be affected due to unhealthy habits such as alcohol consumption, frequent use of painkillers, stimulants, stress, and irregular eating. The case of this young woman is a typical example, with the underlying causes identified as work-related stress combined with staying up late on her phone.”

Speaking about the increasing rates of gastric ulcers among young adults, Dr. Ha explained:

“The stomach needs adequate rest, but many young people stay up late, forcing the stomach to keep producing gastric acid. This leads to ulcer formation. When a chronic ulcer persists, it can eventually bleed. If gastrointestinal bleeding is not detected and treated in time, the patient may develop hemorrhagic shock, which is life-threatening.”

Dr. Ha advises young adults who frequently experience digestive issues—such as stomach pain or indigestion—that most causes are linked to stress, staying up late, and unhealthy eating habits. In addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, early detection of warning signs is crucial. Before bleeding occurs, patients typically experience symptoms of gastritis or gastric ulcer such as:

– Epigastric pain, often worsening when hungry but sometimes occurring after meals; digestive discomfort.

– Belching, acid reflux, burning sensation behind the breastbone.
– Nausea or retching while brushing teeth.

If the condition progresses, gastrointestinal bleeding may develop, presenting as black, tarry stools with a foul odor, resembling coffee grounds. In cases of heavy bleeding, fresh blood may be present. Systemic symptoms include severe fatigue and fainting due to blood loss. Anyone experiencing these signs should seek immediate medical care to determine the cause.