Some people do not have symptoms. In others, symptoms may come and go. Problems may be:
-
Burning stomach pain that:
- May wake a person up from sleeping
- May last a few minutes or many hours
- Is worse on an empty stomach—but better after eating or drinking
- Feels better after taking antacids
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of hunger
- Burping
- Bloating
- Feeling of fullness
- Heartburn
Ulcers can cause bleeding. It is rare but heavier bleeding can cause:
- Bloody or black, tarry stools (poop)
- Vomiting that looks like coffee grounds or blood
References
Lanas A, Chan FKL. Peptic ulcer disease. Lancet. 2017;390(10094):613-624.
Peptic ulcer disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease. Accessed May 4, 2022.
Peptic ulcer disease. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/peptic-ulcer-disease. Accessed May 4, 2022.
Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/peptic-ulcers-stomach-ulcers/all-content. Accessed May 4, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Update Date: 05/04/2022