9. Bloating and Gas: GIST’s Inflating Companions
Bloating and gas, often shrugged off as minor inconveniences, acquire a new significance with GIST. Tumors, especially those in the intestines, can disrupt the normal flow and processing of food. The resultant stagnation can lead to fermentation, producing gas and causing bloating.
The peculiar aspect of this bloating is its inconsistency. One might feel perfectly fine in the morning, only to find their abdomen distended by evening. This fluctuation can be baffling, often leading individuals on a wild goose chase of identifying food triggers. However, with GIST, the root cause lies deeper.
Gas, while seemingly innocuous, can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. Its sudden onset, loud rumblings, and the constant need to expel it can be socially inhibiting. Moreover, the trapped gas can exert pressure internally, causing pain and further bloating.(9)
