An ulcer is a sore or lesion that forms on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.

It occurs when the protective layer of mucus that lines the stomach is weakened, allowing stomach acid to irritate the lining. If left untreated, stomach ulcers can become serious and lead to complications like bleeding or perforation. Here are 30 common signs that you may have an ulcer in your stomach:.

Abdominal Pain

One of the most common symptoms of a stomach ulcer is abdominal pain. The pain is usually a burning or gnawing sensation that occurs in the upper abdomen, between the chest and belly button. The pain may be worse at night or when your stomach is empty.

Eating or taking antacids may help relieve the pain temporarily.

Nausea and Vomiting

Ulcers can cause nausea and vomiting, especially after eating. The nausea may be mild or severe, and may be accompanied by a loss of appetite or feeling full quickly.

Bloating and Burping

Stomach ulcers can also cause bloating and belching, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. The bloating may make you feel full even if you haven’t eaten much, and the belching may be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Ulcers can cause heartburn and acid reflux, which occur when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. These symptoms may be worse at night or after eating a large meal.

Indigestion

Stomach ulcers can cause indigestion, which is a feeling of discomfort or fullness in the upper abdomen. Indigestion may also be accompanied by bloating, nausea, or a burning sensation in the stomach.

Loss of Appetite

Ulcers can cause a loss of appetite, which can lead to unintended weight loss if the person does not eat enough to meet their daily nutritional needs. This symptom is more common in older adults or people with other health issues.

Dark Stool

If an ulcer is bleeding, it can cause the stool to be dark or black in color. This is because the blood in the digestive tract has been partially digested by stomach acid.

Dark stool may also be a sign of other gastrointestinal problems, so it is important to seek medical attention if you notice this symptom.

Blood in the Stool or Vomit

If the ulcer is bleeding heavily, it may cause blood to appear in the stool or vomit. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

Fatigue

Ulcers can cause fatigue or weakness, especially if the person is not eating enough or is losing blood from bleeding ulcers. Fatigue may also be a sign of anemia, which can occur if the person has lost a significant amount of blood.

Dizziness or Fainting

If the ulcer is bleeding heavily, it may cause the person to feel dizzy or faint. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

Difficulty Swallowing

If the ulcer is located in the esophagus, it can cause difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food sticking in the throat. This symptom may be accompanied by chest pain or pressure.

Sharp Pain in the Stomach

If the ulcer is perforating the stomach or intestines, it can cause a sharp, sudden pain in the abdomen. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Feeling Full Quickly

Ulcers can cause a feeling of fullness or discomfort after eating even small amounts of food. This symptom may be accompanied by nausea or bloating.

Bad Breath

Ulcers can cause bad breath, especially if they are accompanied by acid reflux or other gastrointestinal problems.

Metallic Taste in Mouth

Ulcers can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, which may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Ulcers can cause unintended weight loss, especially if the person is not eating enough due to loss of appetite or other symptoms.

Feeling Unwell

If you have an ulcer, you may just generally feel unwell or ‘off’. This can include things like feeling tired, having a headache or just feeling low in energy.

Increased Heart Rate

If a stomach ulcer is causing bleeding, it can lead to an increased heart rate. This is the result of the body trying to compensate for the loss of blood.

Chest Pain

Stomach ulcers can cause chest pain, which may be mistaken for symptoms of a heart attack. The pain may be sharp, dull, or burning, and may radiate to the back or shoulders.

Breathlessness

If an ulcer is causing bleeding, it can lead to shortness of breath or difficulty catching your breath. This is due to a lack of oxygenated blood reaching the lungs.

Joint Pain

If the ulcer is caused by an infection with H. pylori bacteria, it may also cause joint pain or inflammation.

Swelling in the Legs

If the ulcer is causing bleeding, it can lead to swelling in the legs or feet. This is due to fluid accumulation in the tissues as a result of the decreased blood flow.

Godet Sign

The Godet sign is a diagnostic sign of perforated peptic ulcer. It’s a palpable crepitus (crackling sound) felt in the abdominal wall during palpation.

This is due to air entering the abdominal cavity through the perforation and being trapped under the skin.

No Symptoms

It is possible to have a stomach ulcer with no symptoms at all, especially if it is small or in the early stages. This is why it is important to attend regular check-ups with your doctor.

Feeling Sick After Taking Medicines

If you are regularly taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, you may be at higher risk of developing an ulcer.

Some people may feel sick or experience other symptoms after taking these medications, which may be a sign of an ulcer.

Long-Term Ulcer Symptoms

If you have had an ulcer for a long time and it is not being treated, you may experience more severe symptoms like blood loss, severe pain, or perforation. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Mental Health Issues

If you have an ulcer, you may experience mental health issues like anxiety or depression. This is because the symptoms of an ulcer can be very uncomfortable and may have a significant impact on your quality of life.

Conclusion

Stomach ulcers are a common problem that can cause many uncomfortable symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

With prompt and effective treatment, ulcers can usually be managed and complications can be avoided.