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Childhood Asthmaaccording to TCM

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Symptom families: Pediatric Disorders and Symptoms, Respiratory Disorders and Symptoms

Parent symptom: Asthma

What is Childhood Asthma?

Childhood asthma is a chronic respiratory condition marked by recurrent breathing difficulties in children. It is characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, often worsening at night or during physical activity.

Asthma attacks in children can be triggered by various factors including allergies, cold air, exercise, or respiratory infections. This condition not only affects the physical health of children but can also impact their overall quality of life, limiting participation in physical activities and causing frequent school absences.

How does TCM view Childhood Asthma?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives childhood asthma as a complex interplay of internal disharmonies and external factors. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the respiratory system alone, TCM considers asthma a symptom of imbalance in the body's vital energies.

This approach emphasizes restoring harmony between Yin and Yang, and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. TCM practitioners assess asthma in the context of the child's overall health, considering factors like environmental influences, emotional well-being, and inherited constitution.

Causes of Childhood Asthma According to TCM

In TCM, childhood asthma is often attributed to a combination of Phlegm accumulation or Lung Qi weakness. Phlegm can obstruct the flow of Qi in the lungs, leading to asthma symptoms. This condition might be aggravated by external pathogenic factors such as Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, further disrupting the balance.

Additionally, a deficiency of Kidney Qi, which is believed to support the Lung Qi, can also contribute to asthma. A holistic assessment is essential to identify the unique pattern of disharmony in each child, which guides the course of treatment in TCM.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Childhood Asthma

TCM offers various herbal formulas tailored to address the underlying patterns causing asthma. One such formula is San Zi Yang Qin Tang, which includes White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi) as a key ingredient. This formula is particularly effective in treating patterns like Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs and Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation.

It works by warming the Lungs, transforming Phlegm-Cold, and facilitating the smooth flow of Lung Qi. The selection of herbs and formulas in TCM is highly individualized, based on a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s specific symptoms and overall constitution.

See more details below about San Zi Yang Qin Tang, a herbal formula used to address childhood asthma.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold

Formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold

Childhood asthma can be treated by these formulas when it arises from cold causing phlegm accumulation, needing actions that warm and resolve phlegm.

One such formula is San Zi Yang Qin Tang, with white mustard seeds as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Childhood Asthma

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address childhood asthma, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that relieve food stagnation

Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

Childhood asthma can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.

One such herb is White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for childhood asthma, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.

Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

Childhood asthma can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.

One such herb is Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for childhood asthma, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.

Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation

Childhood asthma can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.

One such herb is Radish Seeds (Lai Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for childhood asthma, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.