6. Bloating: An Unsettling Sensation of Fullness
When bloating sets in, it brings along a palpable sensation of distension. Within the complex mosaic of Curling’s ulcer symptoms, bloating stands out as a rather perplexing issue. The stomach feels full, almost stretched out, and there’s often a visible puffiness to the abdomen.
Interestingly, this isn’t just air filling up spaces. The inflammatory response due to the ulcer can slow down the stomach’s emptying process. This means food stays longer than it should, fermenting and producing gas, which leads to that bloated feeling. Not just the mechanics, the nature of consumed food, especially gas-producing items, can amplify this symptom.
The human gut houses a universe of its own: the microbiota. An ulcer can disrupt this delicate ecosystem, leading to an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria. The result? A symphony of rumbles, burps, and that familiar feeling of being ‘stuffed’, even without a feast.(6)
