What are the differences between damp-heat in the spleen and stomach and damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder?

Generally, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach and damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder may differ due to the different affected organs. These differences may manifest in various aspects such as epigastric and abdominal presentations, symptoms of bitter taste in the mouth, stool characteristics, skin secretions, and emotional and ribcage responses. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Epigastric and Abdominal Presentations: Damp-heat in the spleen and stomach is primarily characterized by fullness, distension, and oppression in the epigastrium and abdomen, with increased distension and pain after eating, often accompanied by nausea. Damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder rarely presents with obvious abdominal distension, and abdominal discomfort is less related to eating.

2. Bitter Taste in the Mouth: Patients with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder typically experience significant bitter taste in the mouth, especially upon waking, accompanied by sticky saliva. Patients with damp-heat in the spleen and stomach may have mild or no bitter taste, often experiencing sweet or sticky taste in the mouth, sometimes with a sour and foul smell.

3. Stool Characteristics: In damp-heat of the spleen and stomach, stools are loose, sticky, and tend to adhere to the toilet bowl, accompanied by a feeling of incomplete evacuation. In damp-heat of the liver and gallbladder, stools are sticky, often alternating between dry and hard or loose and watery, and are darker in color.

4. Skin and Secretions: Damp-heat in the spleen and stomach may cause oily skin and acne. In women, leukorrhea is yellowish, thick, and has mild odor. Damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder may lead to jaundice and skin itching. In women, leukorrhea is yellowish, thick, and has a fishy odor, while men may experience dampness and moisture in the scrotum.

5. Emotional and Ribcage Responses: Damp-heat in the spleen and stomach does not affect emotions and does not cause discomfort in the ribcage area. Patients with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder may be prone to anger or depression, accompanied by distending pain in the ribcage area, which worsens with deep breathing or body twisting.

It is recommended that individuals with damp-heat in the spleen and stomach consume more coix seed and Chinese yam, and avoid overeating. Those with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder should eat moderate amounts of mung beans and bitter melon, avoid staying up late and emotional fluctuations, and maintain a regular lifestyle to help restore health.