Esophageal achalasia is an uncommon disorder caused by degeneration of the esophageal nerves. It is characterized primarily by persistent contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and reduced esophageal peristalsis. It is also known as cardiospasm or megaesophagus. Typical clinical manifestations include dysphagia, regurgitation, and retrosternal pain. Some patients may also experience heartburn, weight loss,…
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, causing bothersome symptoms and/or complications. GERD can be classified into three types: non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), erosive esophagitis (EE), and Barrett’s esophagus (BE). In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the category of “acid regurgitation” (tusuan). TCM Pattern…
Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU), also known as recurrent aphthous ulcers or recurrent aphthous stomatitis, is a disease of the oral mucosa that commonly affects the lips, tongue, cheeks, and soft palate. It is characterized by a cyclical, recurrent, and self-limiting course. Based on ulcer size and clinical presentation, it can be classified as minor, herpetiform,…
Oral malodor refers to a person perceiving an unpleasant or abnormal taste or odor in the mouth, or an abnormal odor that can be detected by others. Common examples include bad breath and sour or putrid odors, as well as a sticky or bland taste and abnormal sour, bitter, pungent, sweet, or salty tastes. Oral…
Globus sensation is a functional esophageal disorder primarily characterized by a sensation of a lump or foreign body in the throat. It is often described as a painless sensation of something in the throat that can neither be swallowed nor coughed up; some people describe a feeling of tightness in the throat. Symptoms may be…
Functional heartburn (FH) is an esophageal functional disorder that cannot be explained by physiological esophageal reflux or organic esophageal disease. It is clinically characterized by episodes of retrosternal (or subxiphoid) burning discomfort. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the categories of “heartburn” and “epigastric discomfort (caodings).” TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference…
Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type, and progressive difficulty swallowing is its main clinical symptom. Based on histopathology, it can be classified into three types: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the…
Chronic diarrheal diseases (CDD) are characterized by increased bowel movement frequency (>3 times/day), increased stool volume (>200 g/day), and loose stools (water content >85%). The diarrhea persists for more than 3 weeks or recurs over a prolonged period. It is a common clinical symptom of various diseases. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition falls…
Acute enteritis is an acute inflammatory reaction of the intestines that commonly occurs in summer and autumn. It is often caused by intestinal infection with microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Overeating, drinking too many cold beverages, consuming spoiled or contaminated food, exposure to cold, and typhoid fever may also lead to the condition. Symptoms…
Belching disorder is a functional gastroduodenal disorder characterized by recurrent belching that affects quality of life and causes distress. Under the Rome III criteria, belching disorder is divided into two subtypes— aerophagia and unspecified excessive belching—according to whether swallowed air can be detected. Frequent belching without other symptoms is considered excessive belching; people with aerophagia…
Duodenal stasis syndrome is a clinical syndrome in which duodenal obstruction, caused by various factors, leads to dilation and retention of chyme in the segment proximal to the obstruction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it falls within the categories of “stomach pain” and “abdominal pain.” TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference References
