Ulcers

The classic symptom of an ulcer is stomach pain. Usually the pain is sharp or burning. Patients commonly note that the pain is more intense when the stomach is empty. Eating can sometimes relieve the pain of an ulcer because excess acid is neutralized by food being introduced into the stomach and duodenum.

If the ulcer is severe enough, it may perforate, or "punch through," the lining of the stomach. If this perforation occurs, stomach contents may leak into the body cavity, causing infection. The patient may also bleed internally, which may lead to shock. A perforated ulcer is extremely serious. Blood in the stool or vomiting blood are signs that require immediate medical attention.