The first manifestation of stress ulcers is upper abdominal pain, primarily due to the irritation of the ulcerated tissue by gastric juice. Additional symptoms can include belching, nausea, and weight loss, and treatment is necessary to avoid complications.
The first manifestation of stress ulcers is often upper abdominal pain, which may improve with eating and typically worsens at night.
Stress ulcers, a form of peptic ulcer, typically present with epigastric pain as a primary symptom. This pain is attributed to the acidic gastric juices irritating the ulcerated stomach lining. Such ulcers can be caused by various factors, the most significant being an infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria discovered to be the main cause behind most peptic ulcers. The role of stress in ulcer formation is less clear, but it is believed to exacerbate existing conditions. Other symptoms alongside pain may include belching, nausea, bloating, and weight loss. Without treatment, complications like perforation can occur, necessitating more serious medical intervention.
It is important to diagnose and treat peptic ulcers early to prevent serious complications. The role of stress in their development, while not the primary cause, should not be overlooked as a contributing factor.