A peptic ulcer is a round or oval shaped sore in the lining of the digestive tract. Peptic ulcers most commonly occur in the upper portion of the small intestine, known as duodenal ulcers. They can also occur in the stomach, known as gastric ulcers, and more rarely in the lower part of the esophagus. Irritation and damage of the mucus membrane lining the digestive tract allows stomach acid to leak into the sensitive tissues of the stomach or intestinal wall, resulting in an ulcer. Signs of an ulcer, which range from mild to severe, often mimic other digestive disorders.
Pain
Pain, described as a gnawing or burning sensation in the abdomen, is the most common sign of an ulcer. Approximately half of all patients with a duodenal ulcer suffer from pain which often follows a pattern, as described by the Merck Manual. Duodenal peptic ulcer pain begins in midmorning and subsides after eating or drinking, especially milk products which help to buffer stomach acid. The pain tends to return within two to three hours.
Gastric peptic ulcers also produce pain. Although gastric ulcer pain fails to follow any specific pattern, eating helps to temporarily relieve pain. For some however, eating and drinking can intensify the pain. Spicy foods and foods containing caffeine or alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, contributing to the pain.
Although abdominal pain similar to ulcer pain can occur due to other digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel disease, tracking the pain helps to distinguish various disorders. Pain that worsens when the stomach is empty is more likely to be caused by a peptic ulcer.
Indigestion
Indigestion, a common digestive disorder, describes a discomfort or burning sensation in the upper abdomen. Although nearly everyone experiences indigestion at some point, usually caused by an overindulgence of food or alcohol, peptic ulcers can cause chronic indigestion, according to FamilyDoctor.org, the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Peptic ulcers weaken the lining of the stomach which affects the production of stomach acid. An increased level of stomach acid leads to indigestion. Signs of chronic indigestion due to peptic ulcers include bloating and burping.
Nausea
The presence of an ulcer in the lining of the stomach can cause inflammation of the tissues leading to the small intestine. This inflammation makes it difficult for food to pass from the stomach into the small intestine. This leads to nausea and vomiting, which is most likely to occur following meals.
