What aspect of medicine does the phrase "symptom rather than cause based" refer to?

The phrase "symptom rather than cause based" specifically refers to focusing on immediate issues that a patient is experiencing, such as pain or discomfort, rather than addressing the underlying condition that may be causing these symptoms. This approach is often seen in practices that prioritize quick relief through medications aimed at alleviating symptoms without necessarily considering the root cause of the problem. For instance, pain relief medications may temporarily diminish the sensation of pain, but they do not resolve the underlying condition that may be responsible for that pain.

In contrast, treating underlying conditions, administering preventive care, or providing holistic treatments all involve a more integrative approach to patient health that seeks to improve overall well-being by targeting root causes or maintaining long-term health. This is why focusing on pain relief medications aligns most closely with the "symptom rather than cause based" perspective in medicine.