What are the signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer?
The most common symptom is a burning feeling or pain in your upper abdomen (stomach). This may occur 1 to 3 hours after eating or when you are hungry. The pain may wake you from sleep and may come and go for weeks to months. Other signs may be nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or burping. Ulcers may cause bleeding. Your bowel movements (stool or BM) may be a red or black color. The pain may be relieved by eating or taking antacid medicine. How is a peptic ulcer diagnosed? • Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once. • Endoscopy: This test uses a scope to see the inside of your digestive tract. A scope is a long, bendable tube with a light on the end of it. A camera may be hooked to the scope to take pictures. Durin
