What Are Signs of a Stomach Ulcer? A Gastroenterologist Answers

Temporary stomach pain usually doesn't make you panic, right? You just assume it was something you ate. But what if the pain lasts for days? Could it be a stomach ulcer? 

Gastroenterologist Dr. Anish Sheth weighs in. 

Q: "I've been having stomach issues lately. How can I tell if it's an ulcer?"

A: "We all get little aches and pains in the belly," Dr. Anish says. "Sometimes we eat too much, sometimes we're traveling — so the biggest concern is, is this just a little bit of irritation, is this going to pass, or am I actually developing an ulcer? 

What are symptoms of a stomach ulcer?

According to Dr. Anish, here are a few:

• Pain in the middle of the abdomen, kind of high up
• Loss of appetite
• Worse pain after eating
• Stomach pain that lasts longer than a few hours or a day
• Bleeding
• Dark stool

What does a stomach ulcer feel like vs. heartburn?

"[Heartburn] wouldn't be constant," the doc says. "[An ulcer] is something people describe as a boring pain — something that's really deep, nagging, doesn't go away [and makes it] hard to get comfortable." 

Always consult your doctor about medical issues.