What symptom indicates the presence of food retention in the stomach?

The presence of a thick tongue coat is a strong indicator of food retention in the stomach. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a thick tongue coat typically signifies excess conditions, such as food stagnation. When the stomach is unable to digest food properly, it can lead to the accumulation of undigested material, manifesting as a thick coating on the tongue. This is often seen alongside additional symptoms like a feeling of fullness in the stomach and possible belching, which further supports the diagnosis of food retention.

The tongue coat's appearance is influenced by various factors, including the nature of the excess (in this case, excessive food) and the overall health of the digestive system. In TCM practice, practitioners not only observe the tongue coat but also consider the accompanying symptoms to evaluate the patient's condition comprehensively.

In contrast, the other options present less direct associations with food retention. Shortness of breath can be indicative of many conditions, often relating more to respiratory issues or heart problems. A burning sensation in the epigastrium is more commonly linked with heat or excess in the stomach rather than just food retention. Dull epigastric pain might reflect other patterns such as deficiency or possible stagnation but does not specifically indicate food retention as clearly