Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer
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Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD
A stomach ulcer—also known as a peptic ulcer—is an open sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). These ulcers can cause various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. If left untreated, a stomach ulcer can lead to complications and cause symptoms such as vomiting with or without blood, bloody stools, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Typically, symptoms of a stomach ulcer develop gradually over time. But it's important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person. While some people may have mild symptoms that become more severe over time, others may have symptoms that fluctuate between flare-ups (periods where symptoms are active) and remission (periods where you experience little to no symptoms).
Stomach ulcers can be a common health condition. In fact, 5% to 10% of people will experience a stomach ulcer at some point in their lifetime. That's why learning the symptoms and knowing when to reach out to your provider for medical care can be so important.
Common Symptoms
Almost 70% of people with a stomach ulcer are asymptomatic, meaning they do not experience any symptoms at all. However, if you do develop symptoms, you'll likely experience a combination of the following gastrointestinal (stomach-related) symptoms:
Abdominal pain: The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is pain in the upper abdomen—the part of your torso between your breastbone and belly button. The pain may feel like a burning, gnawing, or aching sensation that often feels worse at night or between meals when your stomach is empty. In some people, eating can temporarily relieve the pain. However, the pain may recur one to three hours after finishing a meal. But in others, eating can worsen the pain.
Indigestion: Many people with stomach ulcers experience symptoms of indigestion—or discomfort in the upper abdomen area. Indigestion can cause symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, belching, feeling full more quickly than usual when eating, or feeling uncomfortably full after eating.
Nausea: It's common to experience persistent nausea after eating meals or when the stomach is empty when you have a stomach ulcer. This may feel like a feeling of uneasiness or queasiness in your stomach and an urge to vomit.
Loss of appetite: Sometimes, having a stomach ulcer can cause pain or discomfort which can lower your appetite and prevent you from eating meals throughout the day. As a result of a decreased appetite, you may also experience unintentional weight loss.
Rare Symptoms
Sometimes, stomach ulcer symptoms can worsen, which may suggest that you're experiencing a potential complication. While complications of a stomach ulcer are rare, if you have one or more of the following symptoms, it's important to reach out to your healthcare provider for medical attention:
Vomiting (with or without blood): While feeling nauseous is common with stomach ulcers, frequent vomiting may suggest a more severe issue, such as an obstruction or blockage in your stomach. Blood in your vomit may look similar to the color of coffee grounds and may be a sign of internal bleeding.
Dark, tarry stools: Dark, tarry stools (poops) or stools with red or maroon-colored blood may be a sign of bleeding from a stomach ulcer.
Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying may happen due to a decrease in appetite. In some cases, you might also lose weight unintentionally because stomach ulcers can sometimes make it difficult for you to absorb nutrients from your food.
Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion or lack of energy can be a sign of a stomach ulcer. Sometimes ulcers can bleed and losing small amounts of blood over time can lead to anemia—a condition that occurs when your body doesn't have enough red blood cells to produce the oxygen that your body needs. In other cases, stomach pain from an ulcer can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep at night. As a result of poor sleep quality, it's common to feel fatigued throughout the day.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
While stomach ulcers don't often cause pain for most people, it's important to see a healthcare provider if you do have symptoms or if your symptoms last for more than one week. Your healthcare provider can perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests or imaging tests) to determine the cause of your symptoms and provide you with a diagnosis.
Certain symptoms of stomach ulcers warrant prompt medical attention. See a healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
Sudden, intense, and severe abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness or fainting
Confusion
Vomiting blood
Dark, tarry stools
A stiff, rigid abdomen that hurts when touched
If you're unsure about your symptoms or their severity, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek care from a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
A Quick Review
A stomach (peptic) ulcer is an open sore on the stomach lining or duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine). Common symptoms include abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, burping, and loss of appetite. While some people with a stomach ulcer experience no symptoms, others may experience symptoms that come and go and persist for minutes to hours at a time. Symptoms often worsen between meals or at night and may be relieved by eating or taking antacids (e.g., Tums).
In some cases, stomach ulcer symptoms can worsen. While these complications are rare, it's a good idea to see your healthcare provider if you experience bloody stool, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or excessive fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an ulcer come on suddenly?
While most stomach ulcers develop gradually over time, there are instances where an ulcer can come on suddenly, particularly in cases of acute stress or injury to the stomach lining. A sudden onset of intense abdominal pain can be a sign of a stress-related stomach ulcer.
How do I know if it's an ulcer or gastritis?
Gastritis is inflammation and erosion of the stomach lining, whereas a stomach ulcer is an open sore on the stomach lining. Ulcers and gastritis share similar symptoms, so healthcare providers use diagnostic tests, such as an endoscopy, to distinguish both conditions from each other and give you an accurate diagnosis.
How long does it take for an ulcer to heal?
Most stomach ulcers heal within eight weeks, though healing time can vary depending on the size and severity of the ulcer and the underlying cause. Most stomach ulcers require treatment to heal. Lifestyle modifications, including abstaining from smoking and alcohol and avoiding eating late at night can help promote healing.
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