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What Are the Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer?

How the structures involved in Peptic Ulcer differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Peptic Ulcer differ from normal

Short answer

Peptic ulcers may cause burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, nausea, early fullness, or no symptoms until a complication develops.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Possible location
Upper abdomen, between the breastbone and belly button
Sometimes silent
An ulcer may cause no symptoms until bleeding or another complication occurs

How symptoms may present

Pain may be felt between the breastbone and belly button and can come and go. Some people notice discomfort when hungry or at night, while others feel worse after eating. Heartburn, belching, or reduced appetite may accompany the pain. Peptic ulcers can be associated with Helicobacter Pylori Infection or irritation from some medicines, and symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.

What to do about symptoms

Book a medical review if upper abdominal pain persists, returns, or affects meals. Share all medicines and supplements, especially anti-inflammatory pain medicines, and mention vomiting, weight change, or tiredness. A clinician may consider testing and treatment for Helicobacter Pylori Infection; Antibiotic Treatment is used only when an appropriate infection is identified.

Warning signs needing urgent help

Seek emergency care for black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, sudden severe abdominal pain, fainting, marked weakness, or a rigid abdomen. Chest pain or breathlessness also needs urgent assessment because it may not be coming from the stomach.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether your symptoms could reflect an ulcer, which medicines might irritate the stomach, whether testing for Helicobacter Pylori Infection is suitable, and how to take any prescribed treatment. Ask when symptoms should improve and which changes require prompt review.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can a peptic ulcer cause heartburn?

It can occur with indigestion or upper abdominal discomfort, although heartburn has other possible causes.

Are black stools an ulcer symptom?

Black, tar-like stools can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract and require urgent medical assessment.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.