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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Peptic ulcer
What are the symptoms of an ulcer?
Abdominal discomfort is the most common symptom. This discomfort usually
is a dull, gnawing ache
comes and goes for several days or weeks
occurs 2 to 3 hours after a meal
occurs in the middle of the night (when the stomach is empty)
is relieved by eating
is relieved by antacid medications
Other symptoms include
weight loss
poor appetite
bloating
burping
nausea
vomiting
Some people experience only very mild symptoms, or none at all.
Emergency Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away:
sharp, sudden, persistent stomach pain
bloody or black stools
bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
They could be signs of a serious problem, such as
perforation--when the ulcer burrows through the stomach or duodenal wall
bleeding--when acid or the ulcer breaks a blood vessel
obstruction--when the ulcer blocks the path of food trying to leave the stomach
