Symptom 6: Bloating
Bloating can be quite uncomfortable, even for adults. Imagine a young child grappling with that swollen, tight feeling in their belly. Occasional bloating, especially after a heavy meal, might be standard. However, consistent bloating, where the stomach feels distended most of the time, could be indicative of an underlying issue, such as a gastric ulcer.
Gastric ulcers can disrupt the normal digestive process. The stomach, in its attempt to heal the ulcer, might produce excess mucus. This mucus can slow down digestion, leading to food remaining in the stomach for extended periods, resulting in bloating.
Moreover, the ulcer itself can cause inflammation and irritation in the stomach lining. This inflammation can lead to the production of excess gas, further exacerbating the bloating. Children, not fully understanding the cause, might become irritable and restless.(6)
