[Column] "Feeling Bloated Every Spring"...Managing Gastrointestinal Health During Large Temperature Swings

The warm spring breeze has arrived, ushering in a season of increased outdoor activities. However, spring is also a time when our bodies must quickly adapt their biological rhythms to sudden changes in the environment. In particular, when there are significant daily temperature fluctuations and irregular lifestyle patterns, as has been the case recently, various gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can easily occur, making caution necessary.

In fact, during spring, it is not uncommon for patients to visit hospitals complaining of symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal bloating, discomfort, or pain. This is often due to increased outdoor activities and gatherings, which lead to more frequent dining out, consumption of spicy foods, alcohol intake, and lack of sleep. On top of this, added stress can further decrease digestive function and exacerbate pre-existing conditions.

The most common conditions are gastritis, GERD, and functional dyspepsia. GERD is a disorder in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and chronic cough. Recently, it has also become common among younger age groups. Functional dyspepsia refers to cases where endoscopy reveals no particular abnormalities, yet symptoms of indigestion or post-meal discomfort persist continuously.

The problem is that many patients tend to dismiss these symptoms as temporary digestive issues and leave them untreated. However, if symptoms are recurrent, become more severe at specific times, or if heartburn or abdominal pain persists regardless of meals, an accurate diagnosis is needed. Some conditions may progress to complications such as gastric ulcers or bleeding if the optimal treatment window is missed.

Diagnosis is made through consultation about the patient’s symptoms, as well as gastroscopy. When necessary, more detailed tests such as ultrasound or CT scans are conducted, and depending on the cause, medication and dietary improvements are recommended together. Above all, since gastrointestinal disorders are greatly influenced by lifestyle habits, daily management is especially important.

To maintain digestive health, it is helpful to stick to regular meal times and avoid overeating or late-night snacks. It is also advisable to reduce the intake of spicy and salty foods, excessive caffeine, and alcohol. Additionally, the habit of lying down immediately after eating can trigger acid reflux and should be avoided. Most importantly, sufficient sleep and stress management are crucial factors for maintaining gastrointestinal health.

Spring is a time when minor warning signs can easily appear as the body adapts to seasonal changes. Instead of dismissing recurring heartburn or indigestion merely as fatigue, it is important to pay attention to warning signals from your body. Since gastrointestinal disorders have better outcomes when detected and treated early, it is recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and undergo regular health checkups to support your well-being.

An Ilwoo, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Haeundae Bumin Hospital

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.