Q. What are the Symptoms of pectic ulcer?

Increased gastric tone and painful hunger contraction when stomach is empty. Hunger contraction 1-3 hours after meals is the main complaint. Pain is often described as dull, piercing, burning and gnawing and is usually relieved by taking food. Frequent vomiting sometimes with blood leads to loss of weight and anaemia.

Ulcers develop gradually, over a period of several months to several years. Majority of the patients are undernourished and have depleted reserves of several nutrients. Pain associated with consumption of food, vomiting and anaemia due to haemorrhages/bleeding result in reduced food intake partially due to anorexia. This is a major reason for weight loss. Maintenance of an optimum nutritional status to promote healing and proper rehabilitation is therefore the prime objective of the dietician.