Holiday is always filled with the festive atmosphere. Faced with a variety of delicious dishes, people often unknowingly consume more food than usual. Therefore, the digestive system is prone to issues after a few days of excessive operation. The most common problems include bloating, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, it may lead to acute enteritis, gastric ulcers, acute pancreatitis, or even increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Reasons for triggering gastrointestinal diseases:
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol directly entering the stomach can damage the gastric mucosa, leading to inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, and, in severe cases, perforation.
- Irregular eating habits: Irregular daily routines, staying up late, skipping breakfast, and indulging in a heavy meal at lunch or dinner can disrupt gastric acid balance and lead to symptoms like gastric pain and indigestion.
- Consuming leftover food: Eating leftovers poses health risks, as improper storage can lead to bacterial contamination, causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Consumption of preserved foods: During the holiday, preserved foods like sausages, cured meats, and salted fish are common. High-salt foods can irritate the stomach lining, leading to gastritis. Moreover, substances like nitrites in preserved foods can be harmful, increasing the risk of cancer.
Not all stomach problems develop into stomach cancer, as it is a complex process influenced by various factors. However, certain conditions like chronic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, and gastric ulcers may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
From gastritis to stomach cancer, it involves several stages:
Superficial gastritis
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Atrophic gastritis
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Intestinal metaplasia
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Dysplasia
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Stomach cancer
Symptoms that warrant attention for stomach issues:
- Changes in the nature of pain: Persistent and irregular pain.
- Presence of a lump in the upper abdomen: A hard, painful lump may indicate a need for attention.
- Heartburn and acid reflux: Burning sensation below the sternum, indicating potential issues like reflux esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, or even cancer.
- Sudden weight loss: Rapid weight loss due to nutrient absorption problems, with visible signs of thinning, and no relief from medication.
- Black stools: Non-food or medication-related black stools may suggest the development of stomach ulcers into cancer.
Prevent stomach cancer by following these measures:
✍1. Chew food thoroughly, eat moderately: Chew your food well before swallowing and aim to eat to about 70-80% full. Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent gastric reflux. Instead, stand or walk for half an hour, and consider a gentle abdominal massage.
✍2. Eat on time and in moderation: Ensure regular and timely meals, avoid overeating, and steer clear of spicy and stimulating foods. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
✍3. Use public chopsticks and undergo regular check-ups: During gatherings, use public chopsticks to avoid cross-contamination. Cook at home and minimize takeout. Early-stage stomach cancer often shows no clear symptoms, so regular check-ups are crucial to prevent delays in diagnosis.
For your health, it is recommended to undergo a gastroscopy after the holiday to rule out potential gastrointestinal issues. Especially for individuals aged 40 and above with risk factors such as living in high-incidence areas, H. pylori infection, or a history of gastric diseases, regular stomach examinations are advisable.