What Are Signs of a Stomach Ulcer? A Gastroenterologist Answers

Healthy Living - By Rachael Ray Show Staff on

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.