Rheumatic Fever in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different rheumatic fever patterns according to TCM theory
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Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever. Caused by an autoimmune response to the infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria, it can lead to serious conditions such as rheumatic heart disease. The disease typically affects children between the ages of 5 and 15 and can result in long-term heart complications if not properly treated. Symptoms include fever, painful and swollen joints, skin rash, and involuntary muscle movements.
In the view of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), rheumatic fever is considered a manifestation of external pathogenic factors causing internal disharmony. Instead of the germ theory of disease, TCM focuses on the concept of bodily imbalance due to external evils such as Wind, Damp, Cold, and Heat, affecting the flow of Qi and Blood.
TCM stresses the importance of diagnosing the specific disharmony or pattern, which is essential for targeting treatment and restoring the body's natural balance and health.
TCM Patterns for Rheumatic Fever
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause rheumatic fever
Wind-Damp
Diagnostic signs
Floating (Fu)
Recommended herbal formulas
Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with thick sticky white coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Rheumatic Fever
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address rheumatic fever