Association Between Cold Hypersensitivity in the Hands and Feet and Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Findings in a Community-Based Cohort Study

Objective: This study aimed to analyze whether cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and whether changes in CHHF were linked to the emergence of new gastrointestinal symptoms.Methods: Data were collected from 5,476 participants in a community-based cohort two or three times between 2009 and 2015. Participants provided information on CHHF, gastrointestinal symptoms (Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and ordinary symptoms questionnaires about the upper gastrointestinal tract and lower gastrointestinal tract (OSUG, OSLG).Results: At baseline, 34.1% of the subjects had CHHF, and 79.4% maintained the same status at follow-up. CHHF was associated with significantly higher NDI and GSRS and lower OSUG and OSLG scores. In addition, CHHF was associated with an increased prevalence of gastrointestinal dysfunction, as defined by the bottom 25% of the OSUG and OSLG scores. Newly developed gastrointestinal dysfunction was also more common in those with persistent CHHF or in those who developed CHHF.Conclusion: CHHF was associated with increased gastrointestinal symptoms.