The Western and Oriental Medical approach to gastric diseases

위장관 질환에 대한 양, 한방적인 접근

Numerous persons complained dyspepsia even though no specific objective findings are revealed by imaging study, laboratory examinations and other clinical research. To find out of so many symptoms what they are, I would to approach by two ways. One way is oriental medical literatural study and the other is Helicobacter pylori infection that is accepted as one of most important causal factors of many gastric diseases. Background/Aims: Recently, the role of Helicobacter pylori as a causal factor in the etiology of gastric cancer, peptic ulcer, gastritis and low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT) lymphoma is well known. Using endoscopy, biopsy urease testing and histology are recommanded as the tests of choice. Serological test is not recommanded at the moment because of its low sensitivity and espicially low specificity. The urea breath test is more sensitive and specific noninvasive test than serologic test, but it is not widely available yet. Methods/Results: We studied 90 cases by diagnostic endoscopy as a screening test for the persons complaining gastrointestinal symptoms. As a result eighteen persons are revealed to be Helicoacter pylori infected histologicaly. Conclusion: More specific literatural studies are requied.