Symptoms - Stomach ulcer

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

Not all stomach ulcers are painful. Some may only be noticed if there's a complication of a stomach ulcer, such as bleeding from the ulcer.

Tummy pain

The pain caused by a stomach ulcer often feels like a burning pain in your tummy.

It can last from a few minutes to a few hours, and often starts within a few hours of eating. You may also wake up in pain during the night.

Taking antacids (indigestion medicines) may relieve the pain temporarily, but it'll keep coming back if the ulcer isn't treated.

Other symptoms

Less common symptoms of a stomach ulcer can 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.

When to seek medical advice

Visit a GP if you experience persistent symptoms of a stomach ulcer.

Contact a GP or NHS 111 immediately if:

• you are passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools
• you have a sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets steadily worse

Go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 if:

• you are vomiting blood – the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance, similar to coffee grounds

If you're not sure that you have a stomach ulcer, see other causes of stomach ache.