Peptic ulcers are open wounds that are formed either in the upper portion of the small intestine (also known as the duodenum) or in the stomach. These ulcers are also known as duodenal ulcers or gastric ulcers respectively. A variety of symptoms can be caused by this condition, including discomfort, pain, and gas, amongst others. However, different people experience symptoms at different intensities. Peptic ulcers can also cause obstruction or blockage in the digestive system, lead to bleeding, or cause a perforation. Hence, taking note of these symptoms as soon as they start to show up is important. Some frequent and rare early warning signs of peptic ulcers are as follows:

Pain: The most common symptom of peptic ulcer is pain. It can usually be located in the upper part of the abdomen, anywhere between the navel and the breastbone. It may, however, create a sensation like the pain is also in the back. One is likely to feel a gnawing, dull, or burning sensation and in rare cases, they may also experience intense, stabbing pain. The pain is usually greater in the night than in the morning time. However, this aspect of peptic ulcers could vary. This symptom can also last for anywhere between a few minutes and a few hours.
Most people experience the pain of peptic ulcers when they have an empty stomach. If this is the case, individuals may find some relief immediately after eating. However, this will only last for a short time and the pain will mostly return within an hour or so after eating. The pain can also worsen when it returns. Due to this aspect of the symptom, people suffering from this condition usually do not overeat. In addition to that, nausea also occurs very frequently due to peptic ulcers. The discomfort caused by that can also keep the peptic ulcer patients from eating more than required.

Certain individuals have found that consuming fatty foods further aggravate certain symptoms of the condition. However, the food choices which aggravate and alleviate the symptoms of this condition usually vary from one individual to another.

Some other frequent symptoms of peptic ulcers are as follows:

• Indigestion, heartburn
• Bloating and indigestion
• Chronic nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent burping

Rare symptoms:

• Blood in the stool
• Black or tar colored stools
• Vomiting (with and without blood)
• Unexplained loss of weight
• Malnutrition leading to weakness and fatigue
• Anemia caused by loss of blood due to the small amount of bleeding from the ulcer

Symptoms of peptic ulcers can also arise from various other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastrointestinal infection, chronic dyspepsia, liver disease, or gallbladder disease.

Whatever the cause of peptic ulcers and their symptoms are, it is important that one immediately consults a doctor on observing any of the early warning signs so that the treatment can start as soon as possible. The disease can give rise to multiple complications if it goes unnoticed.