Pulmonary Gangrene in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different pulmonary gangrene patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Pulmonary gangrene is a severe, life-threatening condition where portions of lung tissue die due to a Loss of Blood supply or severe bacterial infection, often resulting in the decay of that tissue. This condition, sometimes referred to as gangrenous pneumonia, can develop when bacteria infect already compromised lung tissue, often in patients with a suppressed immune system or other serious health conditions. The death of lung tissue in pulmonary gangrene leads to significant complications and requires urgent medical care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives pulmonary gangrene as a severe manifestation of underlying disharmonies within the body, emphasizing the critical role of pathogenic factors such as Exterior Cold and Interior Heat, which together contribute to the Stagnation and eventual necrosis of lung tissue.
This holistic approach underscores the necessity of identifying and resolving specific imbalances through tailored therapeutic strategies, ensuring the treatment aligns with the unique pattern of disharmony presented by the patient.
TCM Patterns for Pulmonary Gangrene
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause pulmonary gangrene
Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Floating (Fu), Tight (Jin)
Recommended herbal formulas
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Diagnostic signs
Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with sticky white coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Pulmonary Gangrene
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address pulmonary gangrene