2. Feeling of Fullness, Bloating, or Burping: The Unsettling Triad
Another symptom that women with gastric ulcers often grapple with is an unexplainable feeling of fullness. This isn’t the regular fullness one might experience after a hearty meal. It’s a constant sensation, often occurring even after consuming a mere morsel.
Complementing this feeling is bloating. A swollen or distended abdomen, even without overeating, is a red flag.
This bloating isn’t just about appearance; it’s also about how it feels. Many women describe it as having a balloon in their stomach, filled to the brim, ready to burst.
But that’s not all; frequent burping or belching accompanies this symptom. This isn’t your average post-meal burp; it’s recurrent and often doesn’t provide the relief that a regular burp does. Instead, it might be followed by a sour taste or even a regurgitation of food.
Taken individually, these symptoms can be brushed off as side-effects of a heavy meal or indigestion. But when they occur in unison, consistently, it’s vital to consider the possibility of a gastric ulcer. The triad of fullness, bloating, and burping, especially when prolonged, warrants medical attention. (2)
