What are the symptoms of "kuxia" (summer heat fatigue)?

The condition known as "bitter summer" is relatively rare in daily life, so some patients may be unfamiliar with it. What are the symptoms of bitter summer?

What Are the Symptoms of Bitter Summer?

Bitter summer refers to symptoms such as loss of appetite and physical weakness caused by high temperatures during summer. Patients are advised to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits for调理 (regulation/recovery). Additionally, due to weakened gastrointestinal digestion and absorption, patients may take oral medications that promote intestinal motility. Under medical guidance, taking vitamin C and vitamin B supplements can also effectively alleviate symptoms of bitter summer. It's important to get adequate rest and stay well-hydrated.

Bitter summer refers to reduced appetite, poor appetite, accompanied by fever, physical weakness, fatigue, low spirits, and weight loss after entering summer due to rising temperatures. In fact, bitter summer is not a disease. For severe cases, symptoms can be relieved under medical supervision with vitamin C and vitamin B supplements. Eating more fruits and melons helps recovery.

Causes of bitter summer: Physiological factors—patients with weak gastrointestinal digestive and absorptive functions are prone to this condition. Climatic factors—hot weather and high humidity in summer allow damp-heat pathogens to invade the body, leading to bitter summer. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, when heat and humidity are excessive, internal body heat increases and sweating persists. It is recommended to consume more heat-clearing, fluid-producing, diuretic, and dampness-resolving fruits and melons such as watermelon, bitter gourd, and cucumber, while supplementing sufficient vitamins to enhance physical health.