Stomach ulcer

Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Ulcers can also occur in part of the intestine just beyond the stomach. These are called duodenal ulcers.

Stomach and duodenal ulcers are sometimes called peptic ulcers. This information applies to both.

Symptoms

Although the most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the abdomen (tummy). Not all stomach ulcers are painful.

Some people experience:

indigestion heartburn nausea (feeling sick)

You should speak to your GP if you think you have a stomach ulcer.

More about the symptoms of a stomach ulcer

Get urgent medical advice

Speak to your GP immediately (or phone 111) if:

your symptoms persist you’re vomiting blood – the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance like coffee grounds you’re passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets steadily worse

These could be a sign of a serious complication.


The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain that develops in your abdomen (tummy).

However, some stomach ulcers aren’t painful and are only noticed when a complication develops, such as bleeding from the ulcer.


Less common symptoms of a stomach ulcer include:

indigestion heartburn loss of appetite feeling and being sick weight loss

Some people also find they burp or become bloated after eating fatty foods.