The Symptoms of an Ulcer

Understanding Ulcer Symptoms

Written by

WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by

Jabeen Begum, MD

on October 03, 2023

What Are the Symptoms of an Ulcer?

Call Your Doctor About an Ulcer If:

What Are the Symptoms of an Ulcer?

The symptoms of an ulcer include:

Burning upper

abdominal pain

, particularly between meals, early in the morning, or after drinking orange juice, coffee, or alcohol, or taking

aspirin

; discomfort is usually relieved after taking antacids

Tarry, black, or bloody stools

Bloating

Heartburn

Nausea

or

vomiting

Early feeling of fullness

Call Your Doctor About an Ulcer If:

You've been diagnosed with an ulcer and begin having symptoms of

anemia

, such as

dizziness

,

weakness

,

fatigue

, and a pale

complexion

; your ulcer may be bleeding.

You have symptoms of an ulcer and develop severe

back pain

; your ulcer may be perforating the

stomach

wall.

You have symptoms of an ulcer and vomit

blood

or material that looks like coffee grounds, or you pass dark red, bloody, or black stools, or stools that resemble currant jelly; you may be bleeding internally. Call 911 immediately.

You have an ulcer and become cold and clammy, and feel faint or actually do faint; you could be in shock from massive blood loss. Call 911 immediately.

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SourcesUpdate HistorySharePrintSOURCES:

National institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Disease.

American Gastroenterological Association.

American Academy of Family Physicians.

The Mayo Clinic.

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