What does abdominal pain feel like with peptic ulcer?

Peptic ulcer discomfort is usually felt between the breastbone and the belly button. It may appear when the stomach is empty, after food, or during the night; the timing differs between people. Indigestion, early fullness, belching, nausea, or bloating can accompany it. Pain that is sudden and intense is not a typical reason to self-manage, because an ulcer can sometimes bleed or perforate.

The feeling is not specific to an ulcer. Reflux, gallbladder disease, medicines, and other digestive conditions can cause similar upper-abdominal symptoms. Learn more about Peptic Ulcer and Abdominal Pain.

Book a medical review if upper-abdominal discomfort keeps returning, wakes you at night, or is linked with nausea or reduced appetite. Tell the clinician about aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers, steroids, alcohol use, and any previous ulcer symptoms. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice, but avoid taking non-prescribed anti-inflammatory tablets for this pain unless a clinician has told you to use them.

Get emergency help if you vomit blood, pass black or tar-like stools, develop sudden severe abdominal pain, feel faint, or become unusually weak. A rigid or very tender abdomen also needs urgent assessment. These signs can indicate bleeding or a hole in the stomach or bowel.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing for an ulcer or stomach infection, whether any medicine may be irritating your stomach, and what pain relief is suitable while the cause is being assessed.