Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Stomach (Peptic) Ulcers – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Stomach ulcers are painful sores occurring in the lining of the stomach. They are a form of peptic ulcers, which can affect both the small intestines and stomach. This condition happens when the thick mucus layer protecting the stomach from digestive acids is reduced. As a result, the acids would eat away at stomach tissues and lead to an ulcer. Fortunately, they can be cured easily with proper options. Read on to learn more about symptoms, causes, and treatment of stomach ulcers.

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

Common Symptoms

The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is pain. You can feel this sensation in the upper area of the abdomen, ranging from the navel to the breastbone. Sometimes, it can also occur in the back. The pain can be gnawing, burning, or dull, and might be stabbing or intense, in worse cases. This symptom tends to be worse in the morning or at night. The duration can last from several minutes to several hours.

Keep in mind that around half of the reported cases with stomach ulcers do not show any symptoms or others. These include loss of appetite, persistent burping, discomfort while eating, chronic nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and bloating.[1]