6. Loss of Appetite: PHG’s Stealthy Onset
Loss of appetite is an intriguing symptom often linked to portal hypertensive gastropathy. At a first glance, it might seem like an innocuous sign, easy to dismiss or attribute to other transient causes. However, in the world of PHG, it represents a cascade of underlying changes.
When portal pressure rises, the stomach and nearby organs face a silent turmoil. The inflated vessels, potential bleeding, and inflammation— they all culminate to disrupt the stomach’s natural rhythm. This disruption hampers the stomach’s signaling system that indicates hunger, leading to a diminished desire to eat.
Diving deeper into this, our body has an innate mechanism to protect itself. If the stomach is inflamed or bleeding, the body might reduce hunger cues as a protective measure to prevent further irritation. This is nature’s way of signaling that all’s not well internally.
Interestingly, there’s a psychological angle to consider. The discomfort, nausea, and the general unease accompanying PHG might make the idea of eating unappealing. Over time, this can even lead to unintended weight loss, further complicating an individual’s health status. (6)
