Stomach Ulcer Symptoms: 12 Signs to Know and When to See a Doctor
A stomach ulcer, also called a peptic ulcer, is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Millions of people around the world live with one without knowing it, because the symptoms are easy to mistake for "just indigestion".
The most common symptoms
- Burning or gnawing pain in the upper middle of the abdomen, between the breastbone and the belly button
- Pain that comes and goes, sometimes for days or weeks
- Pain on an empty stomach or a few hours after eating
- Pain that wakes you at night
- Bloating and a feeling of pressure
- Belching
- Nausea
- Feeling full very quickly when you eat
- Loss of appetite
- Heartburn-like discomfort that antacids only partly relieve
- Unexplained tiredness, which can be a sign of slow blood loss and anaemia
- Weight loss without trying
Some people, especially older adults and those taking painkillers, have few or no symptoms until a complication appears.
Warning signs that need urgent care
Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if you notice:
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry or very dark stools
- Sudden, severe stomach pain that does not go away
- Feeling faint, dizzy or very weak
- Persistent vomiting
These can mean bleeding or a perforation, which are medical emergencies.
What usually causes ulcers
Most stomach ulcers are linked to one of two things: infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen. Spicy food and stress do not cause ulcers, although they can make symptoms worse.
What to do next
- See a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms last more than a couple of weeks or keep coming back.
- Ask about H. pylori testing. A breath or stool test can usually confirm or rule out the infection.
- Mention every medicine you take, including painkillers bought without a prescription.
- Do not self-treat for months with antacids alone. They can ease pain while the underlying cause continues.
The good news: once the cause is identified, most ulcers heal well with the right treatment, usually within weeks.
