Year-End Drinking Alert: Red Flags for Stomach, Liver, and Pancreas Health

[Financial News] As the year-end and New Year season approaches, there has been a sharp increase in patients with digestive disorders due to frequent drinking gatherings, prompting heightened caution.
According to Kangbuk Samsung Hospital on the 11th, abdominal pain or digestive discomfort following excessive drinking is often dismissed as a simple hangover or heartburn. However, neglecting these symptoms can lead to more severe conditions such as Acute Gastritis, Alcoholic hepatitis, or Acute pancreatitis. Recognizing early warning signs is crucial.
Professor Son Won of the Department of Gastroenterology at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital warned, "If you experience abdominal pain after frequent drinking, it may not be a simple stomach issue. Depending on the location and nature of the pain, urgent medical attention may be necessary."
Alcohol consumption can trigger all three conditions, and they share common digestive symptoms such as epigastric pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and bloating, making early differentiation challenging.
However, Professor Son explains that it is important to pay attention to the location and characteristics of the pain associated with each condition.
He emphasized that if you notice abnormal symptoms in your stomach, liver, or pancreas, you should immediately stop drinking and allow your organs time to recover.
He further advised, "If symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice, or severe fatigue persist or worsen, it is essential to consult a specialist in internal medicine for an accurate diagnosis."
He also noted that acute gastritis, hepatitis, and pancreatitis caused by alcohol can often be asymptomatic, so it is important to moderate alcohol intake even if you do not experience abdominal pain.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of following healthy habits to minimize physical strain during unavoidable drinking occasions.
If you must drink, frequent hydration can help slow alcohol absorption. It is also important not to mix different types of alcohol, as mixed drinks can put greater strain on the body.
If you are taking medication, abstaining from alcohol is essential. Alcohol can increase the side effects of medication and cause liver damage.
Professor Son emphasized, "To protect your health during the year-end and New Year season, it is best to drink in moderation and respond promptly to any warning signs your body may send."
vrdw88@fnnews.com Kang Jung-mo Reporter