Pain in the upper abdomen just below the sternum (breastbone) is the common symptom. It usually comes and goes. It may occur most before meals, or when you are hungry. It may be eased if you eat food, or take antacid medicines. The pain may wake you from sleep.


Other symptoms which may occur include: bloating, retching, and feeling sick. You may feel particularly 'full' after a meal. Sometimes food makes the pain worse.
Complications develop in a small number of cases, but can be serious. These include:
Bleeding from the ulcer. This can range from a 'trickle' to a life-threatening bleed.
Perforation. This is where the ulcer goes right through ('perforates') the wall of the duodenum. Food and acid in the duodenum then leak into the abdominal cavity. This usually causes severe pain and is a medical emergency.