Under what circumstances are symptoms considered indicative of gastric ulcer?
Disease description:
I have long enjoyed eating spicy foods, especially hot pot, and my eating habits are irregular. For the past month, I've been experiencing upper abdominal pain and suspect I might have a stomach ulcer. Could you please tell me what symptoms indicate a gastric ulcer?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Lihong
Symptoms of gastric ulcers include upper abdominal pain, typically characterized as a dull ache that worsens after eating. Sometimes nausea and vomiting may also occur. The pain usually gradually subsides 1 to 2 hours after a meal. In severe cases, upper gastrointestinal bleeding may develop, manifesting as hematemesis (vomiting blood) and melena (black, tarry stools). Occasionally, acute gastritis or a palpable mass in the upper abdomen may appear. If a hard mass causes intense pain upon touch, gastric ulcer perforation should be suspected.
