Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer
Disease description:
I have been vomiting since yesterday, and also experiencing acid reflux. I'm worried it might be a peptic ulcer, and I'm planning to go to the hospital for an examination. However, I would like to learn in advance about the symptoms of peptic ulcers.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
The symptoms of peptic ulcer mainly include the following aspects:
1. Upper abdominal pain: This is the most typical symptom of peptic ulcer, usually located beneath the breastbone and above the navel. The pain may be described as dull, burning, or hunger-like and is sometimes referred to as "empty stomach pain." This discomfort often occurs several hours after meals, particularly at night, and may be temporarily relieved by eating or taking antacids.
2. Indigestion: Patients may feel bloated, nauseous, or experience vomiting or discomfort in the stomach area, especially after eating.
3. Loss of appetite and weight loss: Prolonged indigestion may lead to poor appetite and subsequent weight loss.
4. Bleeding: Some patients may develop black tarry stools or vomit blood, usually caused by the ulcer eroding a blood vessel. Severe bleeding can even lead to anemia.
5. Perforation: In rare cases, the ulcer may penetrate the stomach or duodenal wall, causing severe abdominal pain and acute peritonitis, which constitutes a medical emergency.
6. Pyloric obstruction: When an ulcer occurs at the stomach's exit, it may block the passage of food, resulting in recurrent vomiting, especially with vomitus containing undigested food from previous meals.
Therefore, patients suspected of having a peptic ulcer should seek medical attention promptly.
