WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE ?
People with peptic ulcers can have a wide variety of symptoms and signs, can be completely symptom-free, or, much less commonly, can develop potentially life-threatening complications such as bleeding. Signs and symptoms of ulcers include: Pain or discomfort (usually in the upper abdomen) Bloating An early sense of fullness with eating Lack of appetite Nausea Vomiting Bleeding, which is made apparent by blood in the stool, either in noticeable or microscopic amounts (very brisk bleeding will result in black and tarry stools that smell bad), or anemia (a low red blood cell count) However, it is important to note that many of the symptoms described above may be present in patients who do not have an ulcer so you should discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor to pinpoint the exact cause of them. Although there is much overlap, symptoms may be different for gastric versus duodenal ulcers. So-called “classic” symptoms of duodenal ulcers include burning, gnawing, aching, or “hunger-lik
Common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease include abdominal discomfort, pain and nausea. The discomfort or pain is sometimes described as gnawing or burning. Antacids may give temporary relief. Gastric ulcer pain is usually aggravated by eating, especially spicy foods. Because eating causes pain, many patients with gastric ulcers avoid meals and consequently lose weight. Duodenal pain may be relieved by food. Patients with duodenal ulcer may have a weight gain.