Symptoms of a Stress-Related Ulcer

Whether or not an ulcer is caused directly by stress is debatable. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) asserts that normal daily stress does not ordinarily cause an ulcer. However, the NIH does acknowledge that it is possible that stress contributes to the formation of an ulcer. An ulcer occurs when the lining of the stomach or duodenum erodes. Some small ulcers may not produce noticeable symptoms, but larger ones may cause the following symptoms below.

Stomach Upset

• A person with an ulcer may experience nausea and vomiting. Sometimes the afflicted person may vomit blood.

Heartburn

• An individual with an ulcer may have repeated bouts of heartburn and indigestion along with increased belching.

Fatigue

• An ulcer may cause an individual to be more fatigued that usual.

Chest Pain

• Individuals with an ulcer may experience intermittent chest pain.

Bowel Changes

• An ulcer may cause stools to appear dark or tarry. Also, stools may be bloody.