Gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are both types of peptic ulcers, which are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). While there can be overlap in the symptoms produced by these two types of ulcers, there are also distinctive differences in the presentation of their symptoms. Here’s a comparison:
Gastric (Stomach) Ulcer Symptoms:
- Pain Timing: Pain or discomfort often occurs shortly after eating, usually within 1-2 hours.
- Nature of Pain: The pain is usually described as a burning or gnawing sensation.
- Pain Location: Epigastric region (ie upper middle abdomen)
- Worsening with Meals: Eeating can exacerbate the pain as acid production increases.
- Weight: Avoiding eating may cause weight loss
Duodenal Ulcer Symptoms:
- Pain Timing: Pain or discomfort often occurs when the stomach is empty, between meals and often during the night.
- Nature of Pain: Similar to gastric ulcers, burning or gnawing sensation, but more likely to radiate to back.
- Pain Location: Epigastric but might be felt slightly to the right of the midline.
- Relief with Meals: Unlike gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcer pain may actually improve with eating, as food can act as a buffer for the acid in the duodenum.
- Weight: The relief from food may cause weight gain
Common Symptoms to Both:
- Bloating or feeling full.
- Heartburn or acid reflux.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Dark or tarry stools (melaena) due to bleeding from the ulcer.