A stomach ulcer--also referred to as a peptic or gastric ulcer--is a lesion that develops in the lining of your intestine. This condition is most commonly caused by overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or the presence of a type of bacterium called Helicobacter pylori within the intestine. If you develop any of the common signs of a stomach ulcer, contact your physician for further evaluation and treatment.
Burning Pain
The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is a burning pain that can radiate from your stomach up into your chest. Sensations of pain can occur intermittently, lasting for only a couple of minutes or persisting for several hours, explain doctors at The Mayo Clinic. You may also experience stomach ulcer flareups, where painful sensations arise for several days but then disappear, only to reemerge in several weeks. If you have a stomach ulcer, this burning pain may be worse at night or before you eat a meal. Certain types of food that neutralize the acid in your stomach, such as dairy products, may temporarily alleviate burning stomach pain.
Weight Loss
Intestinal irritation due to a stomach ulcer can interfere with the way your digestive tract normally absorbs nutrients from the food that you ingest. Additional stomach ulcer symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and burning pain, can also contribute to a decrease in your appetite. In combination, these common signs of a stomach ulcer can lead to unintended weight loss in some patients.
Vomiting
If you have a stomach ulcer, the lining of your stomach can become significantly inflamed and irritated. When this occurs, you can develop an upset stomach, nausea or vomiting. An upset stomach can also lead to bloating, burping or gas. Depending upon the extent of stomach damage caused by an ulcer, you may begin vomiting blood as a symptom of this condition. You may also notice that your stools appear dark or black due to the presence of blood.
Anemia
Blood loss due to a stomach ulcer can abnormally decrease the levels of red blood cells within your body. If this occurs, you can develop a medical condition called anemia as a sign of a stomach ulcer, explain health professionals at the Better Health Channel, an informational health website provided by the Australian government. Anemia can lead to the appearance of additional symptoms, including dizziness, headache or pale skin, and can occur in conjunction with burning pain, weight loss or vomiting.
