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Signs & Symptoms of Peptic & Colon Ulcers

If a spicy bowl of chili or a stack of fiery chicken wings trigger a high level of gastrointestinal discomfort, or if you’re experiencing frequent problems with heartburn or bowel movements, you may have a peptic or colon ulcer. It's not the spicy food, however, that's causing your discomfort. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori causes 80 percent of peptic ulcers. These bacteria, in conjunction with the hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the gastrointestinal track, trigger the development of a number of symptoms.

  1. Burning Pain

    • A peptic ulcer is an open sore that can develop anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract including the stomach, the esophagus, and the upper small intestine also known as the duodenum. The most obvious sign of a peptic ulcer is burning pain, though the location of the pain will depend on the location of the ulcer.

    Burning Pain in the Chest Area

    • An esophageal ulcer, for example, might cause pain in the chest area behind the breastbone.

    Burning Pain Around Navel

    • If, on the other hand, your pain is located in the area of the navel or lower, you may have an ulcer in your stomach or duodenum.

    Increased Pain at Night

    • Because the burning pain of peptic ulcers is a result of stomach acid aggravating the open sores, peptic ulcers are often worse at night or when the stomach is empty.

    Mild Nausea and Regurgitation

    • Some patients experience mild nausea that is relieved after vomiting. Others experience mild regurgitation or acid reflux.

    Diarrhea or Constipation

    • If the ulcer is located in the colon, you may have a condition called solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, so named because the condition generally, though not always, manifests itself in a single lesion. The symptoms for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome include diarrhea and/or constipation.

    Rectal Pain

    • A lesion in the colon can also cause rectal pain and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area.

    Incontinence

    • Lesions in the colon can also trigger spasm of the sphincter muscle, thereby making bowel control difficult.

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