Why do I experience vomiting and diarrhea when I catch a chill, and what should I do?

Generally speaking, "getting chilled" refers to the body being affected by cold. The causes of vomiting and diarrhea due to exposure to cold may include cold wind stimulation, weak spleen and stomach, gastroenteric-type cold, acute gastroenteritis, gastric ulcer, and others. Treatment or relief can be achieved through general care, oral medications, and other methods depending on the situation. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Cold wind stimulation: In cold weather, if the abdomen is not properly kept warm, cold wind stimulation may cause gastrointestinal spasms, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be relieved by drinking warm water or applying heat compresses.

2. Weak spleen and stomach: Individuals with weak spleen and stomach functions are more susceptible to the effects of cold weather. The intestinal function may be affected, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. Patients may take certain spleen- and stomach-regulating medications as directed by a physician, such as Guipi Wan (Decoction Pieces for Invigorating the Spleen and Nourishing the Heart), Si Junzi Wan (Four Gentlemen Pills), or Buzhong Yiqi Wan (Spleen-Qi-Tonic Pills), which are traditional Chinese medicines.

3. Gastroenteric-type cold: After the body is chilled, the gastrointestinal tract may become more vulnerable to pathogenic bacterial invasion, causing damage to the gastric mucosa and resulting in a gastroenteric-type cold. This can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are often accompanied by common cold symptoms like fever, dizziness, and runny nose. Treatment may include medications such as Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules, Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules, and Montmorillonite Dispersible Tablets, as directed by a physician.

4. Acute gastroenteritis: Abdominal exposure to cold may allow bacterial invasion of the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing inflammation. This inflammatory irritation can lead to gastrointestinal spasms and reduced gastrointestinal capacity, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment may include medications such as Racecadotril Capsules, Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules, and Levofloxacin Hydrochloride Tablets, taken under medical guidance.

5. Gastric ulcer: Exposure to cold may disrupt the gastrointestinal digestion and absorption functions, triggering an inflammatory response that can lead to gastric ulcers. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms can be alleviated with medications such as Amoxicillin Capsules, Metronidazole Tablets, and Rabeprazole Sodium Enteric-Coated Capsules, as directed by a physician.

In daily life, it is important to keep the abdomen warm, avoid wearing belly-revealing clothing, and prevent prolonged exposure of the abdomen to cold environments. Additionally, avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, or spicy foods, as these can加重 the burden on the gastrointestinal system.