When to worry about indigestion with peptic ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. It can cause burning or aching upper-abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, fullness, or discomfort that changes around meals. Some ulcers cause few symptoms until a complication develops.

Pain that becomes stronger, changes character, or returns despite treatment should be reviewed. The cause may involve infection, anti-inflammatory pain medicines, or another digestive condition, so an assessment is needed to guide treatment.

Take ulcer treatment as prescribed and tell your clinician about every painkiller, supplement, and regular medicine you use. Avoid taking anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a clinician says they are suitable. Keep track of pain, vomiting, appetite, stool colour, and whether you can drink normally.

Call emergency services for vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, a rigid or very tender abdomen, fainting, or marked weakness. Seek prompt advice for repeated vomiting, worsening pain, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or inability to keep fluids down. Do not wait for a routine appointment when bleeding is suspected.

Ask what may have caused the ulcer, whether you need infection testing or a camera examination, how long treatment should continue, which pain medicines are safe, and how follow-up will confirm healing.