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…
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
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage) refers to bleeding caused by disease in the digestive tract above the ligament of Treitz, including the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, or biliary tract. Bleeding from jejunal lesions after gastrojejunostomy is also included. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the categories of “hematemesis” and “blood in…
Peptic ulcer (PU) mainly refers to gastric and duodenal ulcers. The principal lesions are localized tissue defects, inflammation, and necrotic changes in the mucosa that extend to the muscularis mucosae. The lesions result from the self-digestion of the mucosa by gastric acid and pepsin, hence the term “peptic ulcer.” In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it…
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…
