Is a gastric ulcer painful?

Gastric ulcers are usually painful, and they develop on the inside of the stomach lining, according to WebMD. Burning abdominal pain is the most common symptom of a gastric ulcer.

The pain can start during the night or between meals and tends to stop briefly when eating or taking antacids, states MedlinePlus. A gastric ulcer usually heals on its own, but it is important not to overlook its warning signs. Failure to treat the condition properly could lead to severe health issues such as perforations, bleeding and gastric outlet obstruction, states WebMD. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause ulcers, especially in peptic ulcer disease patients and the elderly.