General symptoms

• A recurring burning sensation in the upper abdomen.

  In case of stomach ulcer, the pain is made worse by eating or drinking.

  In case of duodenal ulcer, the pain subsides at mealtimes, but is accentuated 1 hour to 3 hours after eating and when the stomach is empty (at night, for example).

• The feeling of being quickly satiated.
• Belching and bloating.
• Sometimes there are no symptoms until the bleeding occurs.

Signs of aggravation

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Blood in vomit (coffee colored) or stool (black colored).
• Fatigue.
• Weight loss.

Notes. At the pregnant women who suffer from ulcers, symptoms tend to go away during pregnancy because the stomach is less acidic. However, sensations of burn, nausea and vomiting can occur towards the end of pregnancy because of the pressure the fetus puts on the stomach. On this subject, see our sheet Gastroesophageal reflux.