What is the Western medical term for spleen deficiency?

Aug 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, there is no direct equivalent disease name for spleen deficiency in Western medicine. If symptoms resembling spleen deficiency occur in daily life, one should maintain regular eating habits and作息 (作息 should be translated as "daily routine" or "作息 time"), avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress. In terms of diet, reduce intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, and consume more light and easily digestible foods. If symptoms persist or worsen, consultation with both a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and a Western medicine physician is recommended.

Generally, there is no direct equivalent disease name for spleen deficiency in Western medicine. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Spleen deficiency is a syndrome concept in the theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), emphasizing abnormal functional states such as insufficient spleen qi and impaired transformation and transportation functions. Western medicine does not have a completely corresponding term. Western medicine usually diagnoses conditions based on the pathological mechanisms and symptom presentations of specific diseases. For example, when symptoms similar to spleen deficiency such as abdominal distension, diarrhea, and loss of appetite appear, diagnoses might include functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic gastritis, etc. However, the diagnostic criteria and pathological understanding of these diseases differ from the TCM concept of spleen deficiency; the similarity exists only partially in terms of symptoms.

If discomfort symptoms resembling spleen deficiency occur in daily life, it is important to maintain regular eating habits and作息 (作息 translates as作息 rhythms or作息 patterns, but in English medical context, it can be translated as作息 routines or作息 habits). Avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress. In terms of diet, reduce intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, and consume more bland and easily digestible foods. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult both a TCM practitioner and a Western medicine doctor, integrating the diagnoses and recommendations from both systems for proper regulation and treatment.

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