What is the term for a medication that helps relieve symptoms without curing a disease?

The term that best describes a medication that helps relieve symptoms without curing a disease is symptomatic treatment. This type of treatment focuses on alleviating the manifestations or discomfort associated with a condition rather than addressing the underlying cause. For example, medications for pain relief, fever reducers, or cough suppressants fall under this category, as they provide relief from symptoms experienced by the patient while the actual illness may persist.

Palliative treatment is also closely related, as it aims to provide relief and improve the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses. However, it is broader in scope, often incorporating not just medications, but also supportive care measures for terminal conditions. This distinction is important in understanding the specific goal of symptomatic treatment.

Preventive treatment, on the other hand, refers to measures taken to prevent diseases or health issues before they occur, such as vaccines or prophylactic medications. Curative treatment is focused on eliminating a disease entirely, aiming for complete resolution rather than just symptom management. Each of these terms plays a different role in patient care, but the one that specifically targets symptom relief without curing a disease is symptomatic treatment.