Frequent diarrhea and bloody stools during the Chuseok holiday: Do not dismiss them as a simple upset stomach
As the Chuseok holiday approaches, anticipation for enjoying delicious food with family is growing. However, if you experience frequent diarrhea or notice blood in your stool during the holiday, caution is required. Many people easily dismiss these symptoms as a simple upset stomach caused by eating the wrong food, but they may actually be warning signals from your body.
Experts advise that if these symptoms persist, it is necessary to consider conditions such as 'primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).' PBC is a rare disease in which the body's immune system attacks and damages the tiny bile ducts within the liver. While there may be no specific symptoms in the early stages, abnormalities in the digestive system can occur as the disease progresses.
If this condition is not properly managed and left untreated, there is a high risk of it worsening into liver fibrosis, where liver tissue hardens, or cirrhosis. In severe cases, liver function can significantly decline, which may be life-threatening. Therefore, rather than simply taking digestive medicine and moving on, you must visit a hospital for an accurate diagnosis if symptoms recur.
To have a healthy holiday, it is recommended to pay more attention to hygiene than usual and to avoid overeating or irritating foods. If you experience any abnormal symptoms during the holiday, do not endure them; instead, visit a nearby emergency room or hospital to seek professional help. Carefully monitoring your own physical condition is the best way to enjoy a happy holiday.