From the Guidelines
Gastric ulcers typically present with burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often occurring between meals when the stomach is empty or at night, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, belching, and nausea, as reported in a recent study 1. The symptoms of a gastric ulcer can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
- Bloating and belching
- Feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- Dark, tarry stools (melena) or vomit that resembles coffee grounds, indicating bleeding from the ulcer
- Heartburn, indigestion, and chest pain These symptoms occur because gastric ulcers are open sores that develop on the stomach lining when protective mucus is reduced or when acid production increases, allowing digestive juices to damage the stomach tissue 1. According to a recent guideline on the management of functional dyspepsia, which can be related to gastric ulcers, patients may also experience symptoms such as pain or burning in the upper part of the abdomen, feeling abnormally full-up early on in a meal, or experiencing a heaviness in the abdomen that may be worse after eating 1. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent abdominal pain, vomiting blood, dark stools, or severe, sudden abdominal pain, as these may indicate complications such as perforation, bleeding, or obstruction 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Gastric (Peptic) Ulcer
- Epigastric discomfort or pain, which can be relieved by food intake or antacids 2
- Pain that causes awakening at night or occurs between meals 2
- Loss of appetite 2
- Weight loss 2
- Nausea and vomiting 3
- Epigastric abdominal pain influenced by meals 3
Characteristics of Symptoms
- Symptoms can be associated with meals 3
- Pain can be relieved by food intake or antacids 2
- Symptoms can cause weight loss 2
- Nausea and vomiting can occur 3