Doctor links autumn digestive flare-ups to stress and diet changes

Stress and changes in diet can contribute to flare-ups of digestive diseases, said Dmitry Karpenko of Pirogov University. NEWS.ru published his comments on October 9.

The associate professor in outpatient medicine at the Institute of Clinical Medicine said emotional pressures increase in autumn as people return to work routines, the school year starts and everyday tasks multiply. He also identified changes in eating patterns as a possible factor.

Karpenko named gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and pancreatitis among common digestive conditions. He drew particular attention to inflammation of the pancreas, which can have serious consequences.

People often associate pain in the upper abdomen or beneath the left ribs, heaviness and bloating solely with the stomach, the doctor noted. However, similar sensations can accompany different conditions. The US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases also identifies upper abdominal pain as the main symptom of pancreatitis and advises seeking immediate medical care for signs of severe illness.