Successful elimination of H pylori decreases the ulcer recurrence rate to less than 5 percent per year. The cause of stomach ulcers may partly be due to an inherent weakness in the wall of the stomach. Examples of this class of drugs are aspirin and compounds like ibuprofen or naproxen. These have a damaging effect on the lining of the stomach. Up to 60 percent of ulcer patients with complications do not have prior symptoms.
Ulcers can be present without symptoms.
The first sign may be bleeding. The most common symptom with ulcers is pain in the area of the stomach. It is usually not severe, comes and goes throughout the day or night, and described as gnawing, dull, aching, or hunger-like. There may be a feeling of fullness, heartburn, bloating, or nausea. Seek medical care for vomiting with blood, black tarry stools, or severe abdominal pain.