BE AWARE OF STOMACH AND DUODENAL CONDITIONS DURING SUMMER

Many people believe that stomach problems only tend to flare up in cold weather. In reality, summer brings its own set of factors that can put added stress on the stomach and duodenal lining, including food contamination, increased alcohol consumption, inappropriate use of painkillers, and irregular eating habits during hot days.

Why does summer require extra attention?

1. High temperatures create favorable conditions for the growth of intestinal bacteria. Epidemiological studies in Vietnam have reported a noticeable increase in bacterial gastrointestinal infections, including bacillary dysentery, typhoid fever, and cholera, from May to September—coinciding with the hot and rainy season. Food left at room temperature for just a few hours, ice from unreliable sources, and inadequately washed raw vegetables can all become potential sources of infection.

2. Acute gastritis following food poisoning. Food poisoning does not only cause diarrhea. Bacterial toxins can trigger acute inflammation of the stomach lining, resulting in severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, and repeated vomiting. In people with chronic gastritis or peptic ulcers, this may further aggravate existing damage.

3. Alcohol and spicy foods. Summer often comes with more social gatherings and increased consumption of cold beer and alcoholic beverages. Ethanol can damage the stomach's protective mucosal barrier and increase acid secretion, potentially contributing to gastritis, erosions, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

4. Painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Headaches, muscle aches, and seasonal viral illnesses may lead some people to self-medicate with painkillers. NSAIDs include commonly used medications such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, meloxicam, naproxen, piroxicam, and aspirin. These medications inhibit prostaglandins that help protect the stomach lining and are a major risk factor for gastric and duodenal ulcers, alongside Helicobacter pylori infection.

5. The high prevalence of H. pylori infection. Vietnam is among the countries with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection. In people with an underlying H. pylori infection, additional triggers such as alcohol, NSAID use, or irregular eating habits may increase the risk of ulcer development or complications.

Warning signs that require prompt medical attention

Vomiting blood, black stools, and sudden severe abdominal pain are medical emergencies. Seek immediate medical attention and do not wait for the symptoms to subside.

How can you protect your stomach during summer?

Summer itself does not necessarily make the stomach weaker, but it can amplify many of the risk factors around us. Maintaining healthy eating habits, using painkillers with caution, and seeking medical attention when warning signs appear are simple yet important steps to protect your digestive health throughout the hot season.