A persistent feeling of exhaustion is a common complaint that can be attributed to many health conditions, including a stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer. While many associate ulcers with stomach pain, they can manifest in ways that affect the entire body. This connection is not always obvious, leading many to overlook the ulcer as the root cause of their fatigue and weakness.
How Ulcers Cause Fatigue
The primary reason a stomach ulcer can make you feel tired is through slow, chronic blood loss. An ulcer is an open sore on the stomach lining, and if it develops over a blood vessel, it can cause bleeding into the digestive tract. This blood loss is often a gradual process where small amounts of blood are lost over an extended period, which can lead to the development of iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron is a component of hemoglobin, the protein within red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. When you are consistently losing blood, you are also losing iron. If this loss outpaces your body’s ability to absorb new iron from your diet, your capacity to produce healthy red blood cells is diminished. The resulting decrease in oxygen delivery to muscles and organs leads to feelings of fatigue and weakness.
Beyond anemia, other factors related to stomach ulcers can contribute to tiredness. The pain and discomfort from an ulcer, which often worsen at night, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to daytime fatigue. The body also expends energy dealing with internal inflammation and attempting to heal the ulcerated tissue, which can further drain your energy reserves.
Recognizing Signs of Ulcer-Related Anemia
While fatigue is a prominent symptom, it is rarely the only sign of anemia caused by a bleeding ulcer. One of the most telling indicators is a noticeable paleness of the skin, often referred to as pallor. This change is most apparent in the face, the gums, and the inner lining of the lower eyelids. This paleness is a direct result of the reduced volume of red blood cells circulating near the skin’s surface.
Other symptoms often accompany the fatigue and pale complexion. You might experience shortness of breath, even after mild physical exertion like walking up a short flight of stairs. This happens because your body is struggling to get the oxygen it needs from a depleted supply of red blood cells. Dizziness or lightheadedness are also common, as reduced oxygen flow can affect the brain.
A few other physical signs can point toward ulcer-related anemia. Many people report having consistently cold hands and feet, a consequence of the body prioritizing oxygen delivery to more central organs. Another subtle sign can be the development of brittle nails or a specific craving to eat non-food items like ice, a condition known as pica.
Managing Tiredness Caused by Ulcers
Addressing the fatigue caused by a stomach ulcer requires healing the ulcer and correcting the anemia. The first step is to treat the underlying ulcer, as this is the source of the problem. A healthcare provider will determine the cause of the ulcer. Treatment often involves medications that reduce stomach acid, allowing the ulcer to heal, or a course of antibiotics if the ulcer is caused by an H. pylori bacterial infection.
Once the ulcer is being treated and any bleeding is stopped, the fatigue will not resolve until the body’s iron stores are replenished. A doctor may recommend iron supplements to help rebuild the supply of healthy red blood cells more quickly than diet alone can achieve. It is important to follow a professional’s guidance on dosage, as too much iron can be harmful. The specific type and duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the anemia.
It is not advisable to self-diagnose or attempt to manage these symptoms alone. If you are experiencing persistent fatigue with other signs of anemia like paleness or shortness of breath, consult a healthcare professional. They can perform tests, such as an endoscopy or a blood test, to confirm the presence of an ulcer and anemia and provide a proper treatment plan.