Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss is a significant reduction of body mass that happens in the absence of any conscious effort to reduce caloric intake. Inflammation caused by stomach ulcers may sometimes produce a blockage in the digestive tract. This may slow the digestive process, resulting in less hunger and weight loss. Furthermore, most symptoms of ulcers can lead to unintentional weight loss. Nausea and vomiting can cause severe dehydration due to loss of bodily fluids. The abdominal pain caused by indigestion and heartburn can also prevent one from eating. The sour, bitter taste of regurgitated acid may make a person lose their appetite.
Some patients may feel that the gnawing pain is triggered by eating. Because of this, they may avoid eating or eat less. A few percent of ulcer patients may also suffer from hematemesis and melena. Depending on the severity of the bleeding, they may need blood and IV transfusions to replace the loss of blood and nutrients. Extreme weight loss and anorexia may be characterized by either gastric cancer or severe peptic ulcer if accompanied by hemorrhaging in the upper gastrointestinal tract. These conditions may snowball and further complicate the illness. It may also result in fatigue.
