Are the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer painful?

While duodenal ulcer symptoms don't always include pain, it is fairly common for people to feel a burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The pain, which often occurs between meals, may last for only a few minutes or as long as a few hours.

Duodenal ulcers may also cause nausea, vomiting and weight loss, notes Johns Hopkins Medicine. Belching, poor appetite and weakness may also occur. Serious complications include bleeding, obstruction or narrowing at the intestinal opening, or perforation of the stomach wall or duodenum. Duodenal ulcers are commonly treated with acid pump inhibitors, antibiotics and H2-blockers.