A STUDY OF THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE TREATMENT OF MODERN MEDICINE AND THAT OF THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to compare the differences on its definitions, symptom, causes and treatment principles between modern medicine and Thai Traditional Medicine that is a qualitative research by document analysis and focus group discussion. The results showed that Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in modern medicine is a condition in which gastric contents flow up into the esophagus, causing irritation. There is a burning sensation on the top of the chest and belching due to erectile dysfunction of the esophageal sphincter. This causes the sphincter not to close completely, causing the gastric juice in the stomach to flow up to the esophagus. In principle, the treatment focuses on reducing stomach acid by taking antacid drugs. A sphincter repair surgery uses radiotherapy to tighten the sphincter. Its definitions and symptoms are close to these of Krasaiton disease in Thai traditional medicine. They differ only in explaining the causes and principles of treatment because Thai traditional medicine believes that it is caused by exacerbation of wind pushing the upper sphincter of the stomach open causing gastric juice to flow back into the esophagus. Therefore, the principles of drug therapy that contain hot flavored drugs properties help to dissolve the wind and astringent or bitter medicine properties help quench hot poison and heal wounds. The benefits of this research have been known of Thai traditional medical diseases clearly academic and can be used in teaching and learning processes to create potential graduates of Thai traditional medicine as well as being able to be an alternative to providing health care for people.