Why does the stomach become uncomfortable every time autumn arrives?
Sep 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Gastric discomfort in autumn may be related to factors such as temperature changes, improper diet, functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In autumn, one should pay attention to staying warm, dress appropriately for the weather, and consume more warm, easily digestible foods such as hot porridge and soup, which can help reduce the burden on the stomach.
In general, stomach discomfort that occurs with the arrival of autumn may be related to factors such as temperature changes, improper diet, functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If discomfort arises, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Temperature Changes
Autumn is a season in which temperatures gradually drop and the temperature difference between day and night is relatively large. If clothing is not added in time or abdominal warmth is not maintained, cold air may directly stimulate the stomach, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort. It is advisable to strengthen warming measures, such as wearing warm clothing or using heat pads, to alleviate stomach discomfort.
2. Improper Diet
With seasonal changes, people's eating habits may also shift. In autumn, consuming excessive raw, cold, spicy, or greasy foods may irritate the gastric mucosa and lead to stomach discomfort. It is recommended to adjust the diet by eating more warm, easily digestible foods and maintaining adequate hydration.
3. Functional Dyspepsia
As the weather cools in autumn, people's moods may be affected, which in turn can disrupt normal digestive system function, leading to functional dyspepsia. Food may remain undigested in the stomach and intestines, causing stomach discomfort, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, early satiety, belching, and nausea. Patients may take medications such as mosapride citrate tablets, bifidobacterium-lactobacillus-triple live bacteria tablets, or octreotide injection under medical guidance.
4. Chronic Gastritis
Long-term heavy alcohol consumption and smoking may increase the risk of developing chronic gastritis. In autumn, when the body's immunity tends to be lower, chronic gastritis may worsen. Inflammation may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, resulting in stomach discomfort such as stomach pain and nausea. Symptoms may include dull upper abdominal pain, bloating, and belching. Treatment may include medications such as cefaclor dispersible tablets, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, used under a doctor’s supervision.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Autumn is a harvest season, and consuming large amounts of foods high in tannins and pectin—such as persimmons and hawthorns—can easily trigger gastroesophageal reflux. Stomach contents, including gastric acid and pepsin, may flow back into the esophagus, irritating and damaging the gastric mucosa, thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. This may be accompanied by retrosternal burning sensation, acid regurgitation, and belching. Medications such as domperidone tablets, ranitidine tablets, or pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets may be used under medical guidance.
During autumn, attention should be paid to staying warm, adding clothing appropriately, and consuming more warm, easily digestible foods such as hot porridge and soups, which can help reduce the burden on the stomach.
