The burning gets worse at night and then disappears for a few days and then comes back.

If the pain goes away temporarily when you eat certain foods or you take an antacid, the true nature of this heartburn may be associated with the pathophysiology of peptic ulcer.

A peptic ulcer is a hole that has been eaten into the wall of the stomach or esophagus or small intestine. For years a peptic ulcer was thought to have been caused by alcohol consumption, stress or the foods we ate. Now it is known to be caused by a bacteria called the Heliobacter pylori bacteria that is a corkscrew shaped bacteria.

This bacteria can be spread by kissing and by the foods we eat and the water we drink. The Heliobacter pylori bacteria can be present in your system and may not cause any ill effects at all however. The medications that some of us take like motrin and ibuprofen can cause stomach irritation and can also cause ulcers in the stomach so you should take these medications with food to avoid this unnecessary complication.

Your peptic ulcer will be painful because of the ulcerated area in the stomach. Your natural stomach acids that dissolve your food can be a big part of the pain you are feeling. Digested food can also be a big part of you being uncomfortable. This discomfort can be felt in the area of your belly button up to your throat and can last from a few minutes to several hours.

If your peptic ulcer gets worse you may see signs of blood in your stools. You can also see blood in your vomit. Some signs of a peptic ulcer is also weight loss and a change in your eating habits. You'll want to see your doctor and get professional treatment as soon as possible if you show any signs of these symptoms. Smoking cigarettes and cigars can also cause irritation to your stomach and can slow the healing process if you have a peptic ulcer. Of course drinking alcohol in excess and a lot of stress can irritate the stomach lining and ulcer as well, even if the drinking and stress doesn't initially cause the ulcer itself.