Although some people with a peptic ulcer do not display any symptoms (and may not in fact realise that they even have one), others will often experience a sharp abdominal pain that may be relieved (or made worse) by eating or drinking. The pain of a duodenal ulcer is normally relieved by food, whilst the pain caused by a gastric ulcer is usually brought on by eating. With either type of peptic ulcer, the sharp pain or burning sensation is usually felt just below the ribs, in the centre of the body or slightly to the left.
Many people also experience water brash, in which the body responds to the attack of the digestive system by increasing the production of saliva, thus filling the sufferer's mouth with fluid.
If the ulcer becomes very severe it may start to bleed, or it may burrow down into the stomach or duodenal wall, breaking a blood vessel in the lining. This blood may appear as black or tar-like stools, or may be seen if the patient vomits.
Summary of Symptoms
- A sharp pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen or lower chest
- Pain that becomes worse when the stomach is empty, and is relieved by eating (duodenal ulcer)
- Pain that becomes worse after eating (gastric ulcer)
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Nausea
- Retching
- Vomiting
- Water brash
- Belching
- Bloating
- Regurgitation (bringing up small quantise of swallowed food into the mouth)
- General stomach discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
A GP should be consulted if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Sudden severe abdominal pains
- Vomiting blood (this may vary in colour from bright red to dark brown/black)
- Black coloured or tar-like faeces
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