What should I do if I have abdominal pain and loss of appetite?

Abdominal pain accompanied by loss of appetite may be caused by conditions such as gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or intestinal obstruction. Treatment should be tailored according to the underlying cause. Specific details are as follows:

1. Gastric Ulcer

Increased gastric acid secretion and impaired gastric mucosal barrier function can lead to ulcer formation in the stomach. Eating stimulates the ulcerated area, exacerbating abdominal pain and reducing appetite. Patients are advised to take medications—including bismuth potassium citrate tablets and hydrotalcite tablets—under a physician’s guidance.

2. Ulcerative Colitis

Common symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. Abdominal pain often significantly suppresses appetite. Under medical supervision, patients may take sulfasalazine tablets or mesalazine enteric-coated tablets to alleviate symptoms.

3. Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstruction typically presents with abdominal pain, distension, nausea, vomiting, and cessation of flatus and bowel movements. Without prompt treatment, these symptoms worsen, intensifying abdominal pain and further impairing appetite, ultimately leading to anorexia. Patients should seek timely hospital care and undergo surgical interventions such as adhesiolysis or resection with primary anastomosis, as clinically indicated.

In addition, other conditions—including gastric cancer and Crohn’s disease—may also cause similar symptoms. Therefore, prompt medical evaluation and diagnosis at a healthcare facility are strongly recommended.