When should you worry about abdominal pain if you have peptic ulcer?

Peptic ulcer pain may feel like burning or gnawing discomfort in the upper abdomen. It can occur around meals and may come with indigestion, nausea, or early fullness. A change to sudden, intense, widespread pain can signal a complication such as a hole in the stomach or bowel. Bleeding may appear as vomit that looks like coffee grounds or stool that is black and sticky.

Arrange medical review for recurring pain, night symptoms, reduced appetite, unexplained tiredness, or weight loss. Take prescribed ulcer treatment as directed and tell the clinician about anti-inflammatory painkillers, aspirin, and other medicines. Avoid self-treating persistent pain with repeated over-the-counter doses without advice.

Call emergency services for sudden severe abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen, vomiting blood or dark granular material, black stools, fainting, marked dizziness, confusion, or cold clammy skin. These signs can indicate bleeding or perforation and need immediate assessment. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or weak.

Ask what caused the ulcer, whether testing for infection is appropriate, which pain medicines are safer, and how you will know that healing is progressing.