Thought It Was Just Heartburn? Expert Warns of Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

"Heartburn After Heavy Drinking May Signal Acute Inflammation"

Due to frequent drinking gatherings during the year-end and New Year season, there has been a sharp increase in patients with digestive system disorders, warranting caution.

At the end of the year, as social drinking becomes more common, there is a surge in patients with digestive system disorders, particularly those suffering from acute gastritis, alcoholic hepatitis, and acute pancreatitis, for which alcohol consumption is the main cause.

The initial symptoms of these conditions typically include abdominal pain and discomfort, which are often mistaken for hangover-related heartburn and thus frequently ignored. However, inflammatory diseases can lead to serious complications if left untreated, so extra care is needed.

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Acute gastritis can develop into chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers, alcoholic hepatitis can cause liver cell damage, and severe acute pancreatitis can progress to pancreatic necrosis. A key characteristic is a burning pain in the upper abdomen, which tends to worsen after meals.

In the case of alcoholic hepatitis, severe pain is uncommon, but there is a subtle discomfort in the upper right abdomen where the liver is located. Other major symptoms include severe fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice.

In addition, acute pancreatitis causes severe pain in the upper abdomen or left upper quadrant. The pain often radiates to the back or shoulders, tends to worsen when lying flat, and may improve somewhat when sitting up.

Professor Son Won, a gastroenterologist at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, stated in an interview with Yonhap News, "Depending on the location and nature of the pain, urgent medical attention may be required," adding, "If you experience these abnormal symptoms, you should immediately stop drinking, allow your organs sufficient time to recover, and if symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to consult an internal medicine specialist for an accurate diagnosis."

Meanwhile, inflammation is a defensive response that occurs in the body when tissue is damaged. The immune system reacts by sending white blood cells to the injured area. Additionally, a temporary inflammatory response may occur to facilitate the healing process.