Satiety usually occurs after you've finished a portion of food. However, sometimes people experience early satiety, where the feeling of fullness occurs after just a few bites of food. This condition can be caused by several issues. Read the following article to learn more about its causes.

What is early satiety?

Meal portions vary depending on age, gender, activity level, and eating habits. Early satiety occurs when you feel full after just a few bites of a regular-sized meal. It’s more common in women and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting during meals.

Initially, early satiety might seem like a minor issue, especially without other symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can lead to malnutrition, hunger, and slow wound healing. It could also be a sign of more serious conditions like cancer, peptic ulcers, or diabetes.

What causes early satiety?

There are several potential causes of early satiety, ranging from minor to serious health issues. It’s often linked to problems with how the stomach empties. Some of the main causes include:

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach muscles and nerves don’t function properly, slowing down digestion. It can be triggered by gastrointestinal infections, surgeries, or other conditions.

People with gastroparesis often have a low appetite, struggle to meet nutritional needs, and find it hard to control their blood sugar levels. Food can remain undigested in the stomach longer than normal.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and a feeling of fullness. This condition is usually accompanied by heartburn.

Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine, often caused by stomach acid. These ulcers can disrupt digestion and cause early satiety. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and pain in the upper abdomen or back. If left untreated, peptic ulcers can cause more severe issues, like ruptured blood vessels.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, often causing abdominal pain and early satiety. Common IBS symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating, fullness, or gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Cancer 

In some cases, early satiety accompanied by weight loss, fatigue, or anorexia can signal certain types of cancer. Early fullness and other symptoms like changes in taste may occur in the early stages of the disease.

Early satiety can have various causes, from digestive disorders to more serious health conditions. If you experience persistent early satiety along with other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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