5. Early Satiety: Feeling Full Too Soon
It’s a sensation most are familiar with: the feeling of fullness after a hearty meal. But what if this fullness arrives prematurely, long before the plate is empty? Early satiety, a hallmark of Curling’s Ulcer, can be both puzzling and frustrating.
The mechanics behind this are intriguing. The stomach, designed to expand and accommodate food, suddenly loses this elasticity. Instead, it remains somewhat rigid, protesting even small amounts of food with a feeling of premature fullness. But why does this happen?
Ulcers can cause localized swelling and inflammation. This inflammation can hinder the stomach’s ability to stretch and accommodate larger meals. The result? A feeling of fullness, even after consuming only a small portion of food.
Moreover, the very act of eating might exacerbate the ulcer’s discomfort. To mitigate this, the body adopts a defensive strategy: it signals fullness early, a subtle nudge to stop eating and prevent further irritation.
This sensation, however, isn’t just about the physical. The emotional landscape plays a role too. Anticipating pain or discomfort post-meals can instill a sense of dread, a subconscious association between food and pain. (5)
