The Signs and Symptoms Comparison of Gastrointestinal Diseases between Classic Medicine and Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Hybrid Qualitative Study

Background: Iranian traditional medicine is the oldest form of medical structure and is, in fact, an inseparable part of the life of various Iranian societies. On the other hand, gastrointestinal and liver diseases are one of the most common causes of morbidity in the world, including in Iran. Such that 10% of diseases are allocated to them and their diseases are spreading increasingly.

Objective: Considering the mentioned issues and the high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms, the aim of this study is to investigate the compliance of the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases in classical medicine with Iranian traditional medicine from the viewpoint of Iranian traditional medicine experts.

Methods: This is a hybrid qualitative study which was conducted in three phases, including 1- theoretical, 2- field and 3- combinational phases. In the theoretical phase, two types of medical textbooks i.e. Iranian traditional and classic medicine textbooks. In the field stage, 13 academic Iranian traditional medicine experts with at least 5 years of work experiences in Iranian traditional medicine were interviewed. Then, in the combinational phase, the results of two early phases have been summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results: The results of the study show that 12 of the 40 symptoms in this study had a compliance of 100%. These 12 symptoms are Increase of Salivation, Pica, Borborygmi, Hiccups, Abdominal distention, Melena, Anal Fissure, Anal Stenosis, Cryptitis, Anal pruritus, Halitosis, Rectal pain; also, the results showed that 10 of the 40 symptoms in this study had over 70% compliance. These 10 symptoms are as Dysphagia, Belching, Regurgitation, Hematemesis, Flatulence, Increased Bowel sound, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Jaundice and Anal prolapse. Also, the percentage of compliance with the other 18 symptoms was less than 70%.

Conclusion: Considering the results of this study and the capabilities of Iranian medicine in relation to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases with classical medicine, it is possible to design appropriate patterns to expose it. Also, an integrated approach to clinical research is recommended to improve the efficacy and safety of gastrointestinal treatments.