Pertussis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different pertussis patterns according to TCM theory
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Pertussis, widely known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. This respiratory ailment is especially notorious for its intense, unrelenting coughing fits that can culminate in a characteristic whooping sound during inhalation.
It's particularly severe in infants and young children and starts with symptoms akin to a common cold before progressing to more pronounced and severe coughing episodes.
TCM Perspective on Pertussis
From the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pertussis is perceived as a disruption of Qi, the vital life energy, predominantly in the Lung region. This disruption is often attributed to external pathogenic factors such as Wind, which invades the Lungs, resulting in an imbalance and manifesting as the severe cough associated with pertussis.
TCM treatment strategies revolve around expelling these external pathogens, restoring Qi balance, and reinforcing the body's innate defenses against such external factors. The unique aspect of TCM lies in its approach to identify and rectify the specific pattern of disharmony underlying each case.
TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony as potential causes behind pertussis. A common pattern is Lung Qi Deficiency, where the lung's capability to distribute and lower Qi is compromised, leading to symptoms like severe coughing.
Another pattern could involve the invasion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, disrupting Lung functionality. Phlegm accumulation is also considered a significant factor in TCM, as it can obstruct Lung Qi, contributing to the severity of coughing spells. The emphasis in TCM treatment is on identifying these individual patterns in patients and tailoring the treatment accordingly, which may include herbal remedies and acupuncture.
TCM Patterns for Pertussis
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause pertussis
Heat invading the Pericardium
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Wind-Heat entering the Lungs
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua)
Recommended herbal formulas
Lung Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Normal or red color with no coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Stomach Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Normal color with rootless coating or without coating in the center
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with sticky coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Pertussis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address pertussis