Symptoms

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

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

Tummy pain

The pain caused by a stomach ulcer can travel out from the middle of your tummy up to your neck, down to your belly button, or through to your back.

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 indigestion medication (antacids) 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 your GP if you experience persistent symptoms of a stomach ulcer.

Contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately, or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department, if you develop signs of a serious complication.

These include:

• vomiting blood – the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance, similar to coffee grounds
• passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools
• a sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets steadily worse

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

Page last reviewed: Fri Sep 2021 Next review due: Wed Feb 2020