Warning signs of stomach problems

Belching, nausea, loss of appetite, epigastric pain… could be symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis or peptic ulcers, or stomach cancer.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Bich, a specialist in Endoscopy and Endoscopic Surgery at Tam Anh Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, the number of people suffering from stomach diseases is increasing, but many remain complacent and self-medicate. This habit can worsen inflammation or ulcers if already present, and miss the "golden" window for early detection and treatment of stomach cancer. Below are some warning signs that indicate an abnormal stomach condition and that patients should see a doctor for examination.

Burping:Belching is a normal bodily phenomenon, but if it occurs frequently, along with heartburn, acid reflux, or other symptoms, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, Helicobacter Pylori infection, peptic ulcer, etc.

Sudden, severe pain in the upper abdomen:Pain radiating to the back, palpable abdominal rigidity... are warning signs of a perforated stomach. This is a dangerous condition requiring emergency treatment, which can lead to shock or even death. This complication is common in people with peptic ulcers or when swallowing foreign objects that cause stomach perforation. Each type of epigastric pain, with its different characteristics, can be a warning sign of different stomach problems.

Epigastric pain that starts when hungry or after eating too much is often due to gastritis or peptic ulcers. A dull, persistent pain that doesn't follow a cycle could be a potential sign of stomach cancer...

Persistent, dull abdominal pain, accompanied by digestive disorders, can be a warning sign of stomach problems. (Image)Shutterstock

Vomiting and nausea:These are symptoms that can occur when patients suffer from stomach-related diseases such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcers, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, pyloric stenosis, etc. Frequent vomiting can damage the esophageal mucosa, causing problems such as esophagitis, gastric mucosal tears in the cardia region, and can easily lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. In severe cases, patients may experience hypotension and altered consciousness.

Loss of appetite, weight loss:If the stomach is inflamed or ulcerated, the patient will feel pain in the upper abdominal area when full or when hungry. Inflammation or ulcers in the stomach lead to poor digestion, causing bloating, abdominal distension, and discomfort. All of this causes the patient to lose their appetite, resulting in weight loss. Loss of appetite and unusual weight loss can also be a sign of stomach cancer. Stomach cancer, if detected early, can be cured and prolong the patient's lifespan.

Vomiting blood or passing black stools:These are two characteristic signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. Specifically, in the case of vomiting, the patient may vomit black or fresh blood mixed with food; while the stool will be black or dark red. Bleeding will cause the patient to become anemic, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure...

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcers requires immediate emergency treatment; otherwise, it can cause shock and threaten the patient's life. Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur when the stomach lining is severely damaged by causes such as excessive alcohol consumption, abuse of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and prolonged stress. In people with peptic ulcers, the ulcers may become congested and bleed if irritated by coffee, spicy foods, etc.

Dr. Ngoc Bich advises that stomach diseases often require long-term treatment, and symptoms are easily confused with each other. Therefore, patients should not be complacent and should consult a doctor if they notice any unusual signs to receive timely treatment and prevent complications.