Duodenal Stasis Syndrome
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
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Discomfort in the chest and hypochondriac regions; distending gastric pain extending to both flanks; nausea and vomiting; frequent belching; irritability and a tendency toward anger; reduced appetite. Symptoms are often triggered by emotional stress. The tongue is pale red with a thin white coating, and the pulse is wiry.
In plain language:
- A feeling of fullness or discomfort around the chest and ribs
- Distending pain in the upper abdomen that may extend to both sides of the rib cage
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent belching
- Irritability and a tendency to become angry
- Reduced appetite
- Symptoms may worsen after emotional stress
- A pale-red tongue with a thin white coating
- A wiry pulse, which in TCM is associated with constrained Liver qi and disharmony between the Liver and Stomach
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Soothe the Liver and regulate qi; harmonize the Stomach and direct rebellious qi downward.
In plain language:
- This approach aims to soothe constrained Liver qi and promote the smooth flow of qi in the body.
- It aims to harmonize Stomach function and direct Stomach qi downward, easing discomfort from upward-rising qi.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Distending fullness and pain in the epigastrium; poor appetite; belching with a sour, putrid odor; frequent hiccups; vomiting of undigested food, with some relief in the upper abdomen afterward; loose, unsatisfactory stools. The tongue is dark red with a thick, greasy coating, and the pulse is slippery and rapid.
In plain language:
- Fullness and pain in the upper abdomen, with little desire to eat
- Belching with an odor of spoiled food
- Frequent hiccups
- Vomiting of undigested food, with some relief in the upper abdomen afterward
- Loose stools that are difficult to pass comfortably
- A dark-red tongue with a thick, greasy coating
- A slippery, rapid pulse, which in TCM is associated with food retention and Stomach disharmony
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Promote digestion and resolve stagnation; transform food accumulation and harmonize the Stomach.
In plain language:
- This approach aims to aid digestion and ease retained food, helping fullness and discomfort gradually subside.
- It aims to address food retention and harmonize Stomach function to ease discomfort in the stomach.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Stuffiness and fullness in the epigastrium, sometimes with distending pain; nausea and vomiting; poor appetite and a sticky sensation in the mouth; dry mouth without thirst; loose stools or constipation. The tongue coating is thick and greasy, and the pulse is soggy or slippery.
In plain language:
- A stuffy, blocked feeling in the upper abdomen, or distension and pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Poor appetite and a sticky feeling in the mouth
- Dry mouth without wanting to drink
- Either loose stools or constipation
- A thick, greasy-looking tongue coating
- The pulse may feel soft or slippery
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Dry dampness and strengthen the Spleen; harmonize the Stomach and direct rebellious qi downward.
In plain language:
- This approach aims to reduce dampness in the body and support Spleen function.
- It aims to harmonize Stomach function and direct Stomach qi downward, easing the sensation of upward-rising qi.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Distending fullness and pain in the epigastrium radiating to the chest and flanks; frequent belching; progressively worsening pain that is localized and aggravated by pressure; in severe cases, pain may extend to the back. Constipation or blood in the stool may occur. The tongue is dark, and the pulse is wiry and choppy.
In plain language:
- Distension and pain in the upper abdomen, which may extend to the sides of the chest and ribs
- Frequent belching
- The pain gradually becomes more severe
- The pain stays in one specific spot
- Pressure on the painful area is uncomfortable and may be avoided
- In severe cases, pain may extend to the back
- Constipation or blood in the stool may occur
- The tongue appears dark in color
- The pulse may feel tight and uneven, like a taut string with a rough or hesitant quality
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Promote qi circulation and invigorate blood; harmonize the middle and direct rebellious qi downward.
In plain language:
- This approach aims to promote the movement of qi and blood circulation.
- It aims to harmonize Spleen and Stomach function and direct Stomach qi downward, easing the sensation of upward-rising qi.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Distension and dull pain in the upper abdomen, relieved by warmth; occasional vomiting of clear fluids; poor appetite; fatigue and weakness. The tongue is pale red with a thin white or thick white coating, and the pulse is deep and thready.
In plain language:
- A feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen, with a mild, dull ache
- Warmth may feel soothing; there is a general preference for warmth
- Occasional vomiting of clear, saliva-like fluid
- Poor appetite and little desire to eat
- Fatigue and weakness, with low energy for daily activities
- The tongue appears pale red
- The tongue coating may be thin and white, or thicker and white
- The pulse may feel deep and thready
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Warm the middle and dispel cold; tonify the Spleen and strengthen the Stomach.
In plain language:
- This approach aims to warm the Spleen and Stomach and dispel internal cold, helping the body feel warmer.
- It aims to support Spleen qi and strengthen Stomach function, supporting digestion and the transformation and movement of food.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
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- Chen Haozhu, Lin Guowei, Wang Jiyao, et al. Practical Internal Medicine (14th ed.) [M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2013.
- Guo Tiequn. TCM Treatment of Duodenal Stasis Syndrome [J]. China Modern Doctor, 2009(36): 57.
- Shan Yipu. Treatment experience in 43 cases of duodenal stasis syndrome [J]. Shandong Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1992, 11(2): 25-27.
- Wang Shaolong, Qu Shoufan, Yi Yongfeng, et al. Modified Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang for the treatment of 72 cases of duodenal stasis syndrome [J]. Shandong Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1995, 14(7): 307.
- Tang Liqun, Huo Lifang. TCM Pattern-Based Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases and Proven Formulas [M]. Guangzhou: Yangcheng Evening News Press, 2004.
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- Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2015 Edition) [M]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2015.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Clinical Medication Guide to the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China: Chinese Patent Medicines (2010 Edition) [M]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2010.