Symptoms Of A Stomach Ulcer

How Do You Know If You Have A Stomach Ulcer?

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer are often mistaken for symptoms of stomach problems like acid reflux, indigestion, overuse of certain anti-inflammatory medications, and even hunger pangs. For this reason, many people wait until the stomach ulcer has become a serious health issue before they report the symptoms to their doctor.

The goal of this article is to briefly list and describe the symptoms of a stomach ulcer. It is intended to provide introductory and basic information for readers who have no medical training or background. Always rely solely on your doctor for information and treatment if you think you may have symptoms of a stomach ulcer.

How do you know if you have a stomach ulcer? In making a stomach ulcer diagnosis, your doctor is likely to evaluate the following signs.

Initial ulcers symptoms of a stomach ulcer could include:

• discomfort from indigestion and heartburn, including pain in the middle to upper abdomen, usually occurring several hours after a meal. However, these symptoms are very similar to symptoms of gallbladder trouble.
• nausea,
• unusual fatigue,
• loss of appetite, and
• unusual weight loss may take place because the stomach ulcer sufferer finds it uncomfortable to eat.

You should call a doctor immediately if these symptoms of a stomach ulcer appear:

• your abdomen becomes rigid, hard, and is tender to the touch,
• you experience symptoms of shock, such as fainting, excessive sweating, or confusion,
• you experience vomiting with evidence of blood.

Dark, tarry stools or stools that contain dark red blood are a major symptom of a stomach ulcer. These signs tell you that your stomach ulcer is bleeding. This situation is serious and you should seek medical treatment immediately.

In fact, it's best to get your doctor's advice if you are experiencing any of the stomach ulcer symptoms mentioned above, since some of them are also symptoms of stomach cancer.

Also see our individual articles on types of stomach ulcers, bleeding ulcers, duodenal ulcers, peptic ulcers and gastric ulcers for more information.