An ulcer typically feels like a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, located between the breastbone and belly button. This pain is often described as an acid burn or a sensation of something "eating" the stomach lining due to stomach acids damaging the ulcerated area

. The pain can be dull or sharp and may come and go over time, lasting from a few minutes to several hours

. Common characteristics of ulcer pain include:

• Burning or gnawing sensation in the upper-middle abdomen
• Pain often worsens on an empty stomach or at night but may improve temporarily after eating or taking antacids

• Pain may also be triggered or worsened by spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, stress, or use of NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs)

• Some people feel fullness, bloating, or indigestion along with the pain

Not everyone with an ulcer experiences pain; some ulcers are "silent" until complications like bleeding occur

. Other symptoms that might accompany ulcer pain include burping, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss

. If complications arise, symptoms such as vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting require immediate medical attention

. In summary, an ulcer feels like a persistent burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often related to stomach acid irritation, with symptoms that can vary in intensity and timing but commonly worsen on an empty stomach or at night