Lobar Pneumoniaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Parent symptom: Pneumonia
What is Lobar Pneumonia?
Lobar pneumonia is a specific type of pneumonia where a large and continuous area of the lung lobe is infected and inflamed. Unlike other forms of pneumonia that may affect scattered small areas of the lung, lobar pneumonia tends to involve a significant portion of one or more lung lobes.
It's characterized by symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. The condition demands prompt medical attention due to the extensive lung involvement.
How Does TCM View Lobar Pneumonia?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches lobar pneumonia with a unique lens, contrasting with Western medicine's focus on pathogens and antibiotics. TCM sees lobar pneumonia as a result of an imbalance in the body's natural energy, or Qi.
This disharmony, often caused by external factors such as Wind or Internal factors like Phlegm or Heat, leads to the Lung's impaired function. TCM practitioners emphasize restoring balance through holistic treatments, addressing both the symptoms and the root cause of the illness.
Causes of Lobar Pneumonia According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, lobar pneumonia is associated with several patterns of disharmony. First, the invasion of pathogenic factors such as Wind-Cold, leading to symptoms like chills, fever, and cough. The lungs, in TCM, are susceptible to external climatic invasions, which can lead to Qi Stagnation and the production of Phlegm. Secondly, the condition is seen as a result of Internal Heat accumulation, often due to an imbalance in the body's Yang energy. This leads to high fever, a dry cough, and possibly constipation, indicating a Heat excess in the body.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Lobar Pneumonia
In addressing lobar pneumonia, TCM employs various formulas. Da Cheng Qi Tang, which includes Rhubarb, is used for its ability to purge Heat accumulation, especially effective in cases characterized by Yang Excess or Full Yang and Heat in Yang brightness Organs. For patterns marked by Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs and Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat, Da Qing Long Tang, featuring Ephedra, is prescribed to clear Wind-Cold.
Additionally, Liang Ge San, with its key ingredient Forsythia Fruits, is utilized to treat Heat in the Upper and Middle Burner, effectively clearing Heat and resolving Toxicity. These formulas are indicative of TCM's intricate approach, targeting specific patterns and symptoms presented in lobar pneumonia.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address lobar pneumonia, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Lobar pneumonia can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Lobar pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Da Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Lobar pneumonia can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Liang Ge San, with forsythia fruit as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Lobar Pneumonia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address lobar pneumonia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Lobar pneumonia can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lobar pneumonia, like Da Cheng Qi Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Lobar pneumonia can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lobar pneumonia, like Da Qing Long Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Lobar pneumonia can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lobar pneumonia, like Liang Ge San.