Common types of peptic ulcers, including gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, complex ulcers, and anastomotic ulcers after gastric resection, share common characteristics and have their own distinct symptoms.

Abdominal pain is a usual symptom. The pain from duodenal bulb ulcers tends to be dull, bloating, or blunt, and it is generally more noticeable when hungry. The pain often eases after eating as food neutralizes stomach acid. Sometimes, there is pain at night. If the ulcer is beyond the bulb or is a penetrating ulcer, it often comes with back pain; gastric ulcers primarily manifest as postprandial pain, meaning pain occurring half an hour to an hour after eating, which gradually alleviates; complex ulcers often present with both types of symptoms mentioned above. As peptic ulcers are often associated with excessive stomach acid, symptoms like acid reflux, heartburn, and nausea are common.