Can traditional Chinese medicine completely cure gastroesophageal reflux

Traditional Chinese medicine usually cannot completely cure gastroesophageal reflux, but it can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. The treatment of gastroesophageal reflux requires comprehensive management measures, and traditional Chinese medicine can be used as an auxiliary means. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that gastroesophageal reflux is related to physical factors such as spleen and stomach weakness and disharmony between the liver and stomach. Through dialectical treatment, methods such as strengthening the spleen and stomach, soothing the liver and regulating qi are adopted, and prescriptions such as Banxia Xiexin Tang and Chaihu Shugan San are used for regulation. Acupuncture and moxibustion selects Zhongwan, Zusanli and other acupoints to improve gastrointestinal function. Patients with mild symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux can achieve certain relief in symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux after traditional Chinese medicine treatment. Research shows that traditional Chinese medicine has a significant effect on symptom control of non erosive reflux disease. In terms of improving patients' quality of life scores, traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine have comparable therapeutic effects. Physical conditioning is an advantage of traditional Chinese medicine, which can reduce the probability of recurrence.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment has limited effectiveness in some severe cases. When there are organic lesions such as Barrett's esophagus, traditional Chinese medicine cannot reverse the pathological changes. Severe reflux esophagitis with complications such as bleeding and stenosis still requires Western medicine intervention. Proton pump inhibitors and other Western medicines have a more rapid and thorough inhibitory effect on acid secretion. Patients with combined hiatal hernia exceeding 3 centimeters usually require surgical repair. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long treatment cycle and relatively slow onset, making it unsuitable for acute symptom control. A small number of patients may experience adverse reactions such as traditional Chinese medicine related liver injury. Patients with gastroesophageal reflux should avoid overeating and eating before bedtime, and raise the head of the bed during sleep. Restrict foods that promote reflux, such as strong tea, coffee, chocolate, etc. Overweight individuals need to lose 5% -10% weight and quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment can leverage their respective advantages. When symptoms are severe or persist, timely gastroscopy examination should be performed. Long term medication patients need to regularly monitor liver and kidney function and adjust treatment plans under the guidance of doctors.