Common symptoms
The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is pain. The pain is often described as:
- dull
- gnawing
- achy
- comes and goes for days or weeks
- occurs 2 to 3 hours after meals
- occurs in the middle of the night (when your stomach is empty)
- is often relieved by eating
Other symptoms of a peptic ulcer may include:
- weight loss
- poor appetite
- bloating
- burping
- nausea
- vomiting
It is important to remember that although these are the most common symptoms, not everyone with a peptic ulcer feels the same. Some people may have only very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Emergency symptoms
Occasionally, complications of a peptic ulcer may occur. These can include perforation, bleeding, or obstruction.
- Perforation occurs when the ulcer burrows completely through the wall of the stomach or duodenum.
- Bleeding can occur when the ulcer or stomach acid breaks open a blood vessel.
- Obstruction occurs when the ulcer blocks the path of food trying to leave the stomach.
These peptic ulcer complications are emergencies and are often characterized by the following symptoms:
- sharp, sudden, persistent pain
- bloody or black, tarry stools
- bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
If you experience any of the symptoms, it is very important that you seek immediate medical attention.