What are the symptoms of damp-heat in the spleen and stomach?
Aug 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Damp-heat in the spleen and stomach can lead to stagnation of qi circulation, causing a significant feeling of abdominal distension. Pressing on the abdomen may be accompanied by mild discomfort or distension pain. Some individuals may also experience a sensation of heaviness in the abdomen, even without overeating, and may exhibit abdominal distension. This feeling of fullness may worsen after meals, affecting daily activities. Damp-heat pathogens rising upward to the mouth can cause frequent bitter taste and a sticky, uncomfortable sensation within the oral cavity.
When damp-heat in the spleen and stomach occurs, common symptoms include abdominal distension and fullness, bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth, abnormal bowel movements, loss of appetite, and yellow greasy tongue coating. If abnormalities appear, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Abdominal Distension and Fullness: Damp-heat in the spleen and stomach can cause stagnation of qi, leading to a significant feeling of abdominal distension and fullness. Pressing on the abdomen may cause slight discomfort or distending pain. Some people may also feel heaviness in the abdomen, even without overeating, and may experience abdominal distension. This sensation of fullness may worsen after meals, affecting daily activities.
2. Bitter Taste and Stickiness in the Mouth: Damp-heat rising upward to the mouth causes a persistent bitter taste and a sticky, uncomfortable feeling inside the mouth. This stickiness is particularly noticeable when speaking or swallowing, and cannot be easily relieved even by drinking water multiple times. Some individuals may also develop bad breath, especially noticeable upon waking up in the morning.
3. Abnormal Bowel Movements: Damp-heat impairs the transportation and transformation functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to changes in stool characteristics. The condition often manifests as sticky, unsatisfactory bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, and feces that tend to adhere to the toilet bowl and are difficult to flush away. Some individuals may experience diarrhea with loose, watery stools that have a strong odor, or alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.
4. Loss of Appetite: When the spleen and stomach are affected by damp-heat, their transformation and transportation functions decline, leading to a lack of interest in food and a significant reduction in food intake. Even favorite foods may no longer be appealing. Some individuals may also experience nausea and belching after eating, further decreasing the desire to eat.
5. Yellow Greasy Tongue Coating: Upon examining the tongue coating, it can be observed that individuals with damp-heat in the spleen and stomach have a yellow-colored coating that is thick and greasy in texture. The surface of the tongue appears to be covered with a layer of oily substance. In some cases, tooth marks may appear along the edges of the tongue. The state of the tongue coating may change according to the severity of damp-heat, with the yellow greasy appearance becoming more pronounced as the damp-heat intensifies.
If symptoms of damp-heat in the spleen and stomach appear, timely adjustments to lifestyle habits are necessary. Diet should be light and清淡, avoiding spicy and greasy foods. Maintaining regular作息 and engaging in appropriate physical activity are also important. If symptoms persist or worsen, such as severe abdominal distension or frequent diarrhea, professional medical assistance should be sought promptly.
