Ms. Mu, a 42-year-old office director, had previously suffered from gastritis. However, due to her busy work schedule, she had not returned to the hospital for a follow-up check-up for three years. Last March, she constantly felt hungry but could not eat much, and her stomach was always uncomfortable after meals. She attributed this to her previous gastritis and didn't pay much attention. Three months later, while on a business trip out of town, she had to seek medical attention due to severe stomach pain, only to be diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer.
Experts point out that middle-aged people are at high risk for diseases of the digestive and endocrine systems. These conditions often manifest before or after meals, so never ignore feelings that arise during these times. They might help you identify potential diseases earlier, enabling prompt medical attention and avoiding delays in treatment.
Stomach Diseases
If you experience stomach pain when hungry or after eating, or if you often feel bloated and belch after meals, it could be a sign of gastritis.
If stomach pain occurs or worsens after a meal, be mindful of a possible stomach ulcer. Generally, patients with stomach ulcers can find relief from pain after eating alkaline foods, such as steamed buns or alkaline noodles.
If you experience acid reflux, heartburn, belching, or pain behind the breastbone after a meal, these are symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. People with this condition should avoid overeating and consume more liquid foods.
If you feel discomfort in your stomach or increased abdominal belching after a meal, especially if the symptoms are more noticeable when active or standing after eating and ease when lying down, be aware of a possible stomach ptosis (dropping). This is especially true for people who are on the thinner side. People with this condition should not walk a hundred steps after a meal. It's better to eat smaller, more frequent meals and lie down to rest for half an hour after eating.
Some people with a history of stomach disease whose symptoms have recently changed, or who experience increased hunger or satiety along with a progressively worsening complexion and physical strength, these may be signs of stomach cancer.
Abdominal Diseases
Frequent abdominal pain, especially when hungry or at night, which is relieved after eating, often indicates a duodenal ulcer.
If your stomach becomes uncomfortable after eating spicy, greasy, or raw and cold foods, or after drinking a little alcohol; or if you experience diarrhea easily after a meal, accompanied by abdominal pain or bowel sounds before or during the diarrhea, with the pain easing after the bowel movement, these are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. You should seek medical attention promptly for a stool analysis or colonoscopy to rule out intestinal infections or organic diseases.
Biliary Diseases
Pain and distension in the upper right abdomen that radiates to the right shoulder after eating greasy food is a sign of cholecystitis or cholelithiasis (gallstones). This is especially important for people who love greasy food, are overweight, or skip breakfast, as they are more prone to these conditions.
Hyperthyroidism
Patients with hyperthyroidism usually have a good appetite but continue to lose weight, and their tempers become more and more irritable. They may also have symptoms such as protruding eyes, a thickened neck, palpitations, sensitivity to heat, excessive sweating, and insomnia.
Diabetes
The appearance of "three excesses"—excessive eating, excessive drinking, and excessive urination—and "one decrease"—weight loss, along with feeling weak all over and having a dry mouth, are classic symptoms of diabetes. Such patients often have a constant desire to drink water and a craving for sweets.