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7 Symptoms of a Stomach Ulcer
August 20, 2025
A burning ache in your stomach can be more than just annoying. It could be a sign of a stomach ulcer.
Stomach ulcers – also called peptic ulcers – are open sores that form in the lining of your stomach, small intestine or your esophagus.
“Stomach ulcers can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening if they bleed or go untreated,” says Alexandra Sanowski-Bell, MD, a general surgeon with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.
Here are the top signs to watch for – and why timely care matters.
1. Burning stomach pain.
This is the most common ulcer symptom – and it’s not subtle.
“It’s usually a gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen,” says Dr. Sanowski-Bell. “You’ll often feel it between meals or at night. It might feel better for a bit after you eat – but it can come back stronger.”
> Related: What Your Stomach Pain Is Trying to Tell You
2. Bloating or feeling full quickly.
If you’re suddenly full after just a few bites, it could be more than just bad digestion.
“Even a small amount of food can leave you feeling uncomfortably full or bloated,” says Dr. Sanowski-Bell. “That’s a sign something’s not right with how your stomach is processing what you eat.”
> Related: 3 Reasons Why You’re Bloated After Eating
3. Nausea or vomiting.
Ulcers irritate the stomach lining – and that irritation can lead to nausea. In more severe cases, it can even cause vomiting.
“If there’s blood in your vomit – especially if it looks dark or like coffee grounds – see a doctor right away,” says Dr. Sanowski-Bell.
4. Loss of appetite.
Nausea, bloating and pain – none of it exactly makes you want to eat.
“When eating starts to feel uncomfortable, people may skip meals,” says Dr. Sanowski-Bell. “But that can turn into a cycle that only makes things worse if it’s not addressed.”
> Related: 6 Reasons You Might Have No Appetite and What You Can Do About It
5. Unintentional weight loss.
If your meals feel like a chore, your weight may start to drop without you trying.
“Weight loss isn’t always dramatic, but it’s something we look for when people are struggling with appetite or digestion,” says Dr. Sanowski-Bell.
6. Heartburn or indigestion.
Ulcers can mimic the symptoms of acid reflux – like burning in your chest or discomfort after meals.
“If your usual heartburn remedies aren’t helping anymore, it’s worth getting checked,” says Dr. Sanowski-Bell. “You don’t want to miss something more serious.”
> Related: 7 Causes of Heartburn That Aren’t Food-Related
7. Dark, tarry stools.
This one’s a red flag.
“If your stool looks black, tarry or sticky, it may be a sign of internal bleeding,” says Dr. Sanowski-Bell. “That’s not something to brush off – get it checked as soon as possible. Your doctor may want to perform a screening or diagnostic colonoscopy to find out what’s going on.”
When to see your doctor.
Even if your symptoms seem mild, don’t ignore them. Left untreated, ulcers can bleed, perforate the stomach lining or cause dangerous blockages.
The good news? Most ulcers are very treatable.
Medications like proton pump inhibitors can reduce acid, and if bacteria is to blame, your doctor may prescribe a short course of antibiotics. Avoiding NSAIDs, alcohol and smoking can help speed up healing. In rare cases, you may need surgery.
“Stomach ulcers can affect your quality of life,” says Dr. Sanowski-Bell. “But with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people start feeling better quickly – and we can help you get back to feeling like