Fact 3: Symptoms – More Than Just Pain
While pain is the most glaring symptom of an esophageal ulcer, the condition manifests in various other ways. For many, the pain feels like a burning sensation in the mid-chest, often worsening when swallowing food or liquid. This pain can sometimes be mistaken for heartburn, but its persistence usually hints at a deeper issue.
Difficulty swallowing or the sensation of food getting stuck in the throat is another significant symptom. This discomfort, termed dysphagia, results from the ulcer hindering the esophagus’s natural ability to move food into the stomach. Over time, this can lead to weight loss due to reduced food intake.
Some individuals might also experience regurgitation of food or sour liquid, an unpleasant condition where the stomach’s contents move back into the throat or mouth. Often accompanied by a sour taste, this symptom is a clear indicator of digestive tract issues.
In severe cases, bloody or black stools can indicate bleeding ulcers. Similarly, vomiting blood, a condition known as hematemesis, is another serious symptom. Both these situations necessitate immediate medical attention. (3)
