Pertussisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
What is Pertussis?
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.
Causes of Pertussis According to TCM
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 Herbal Formulas for Pertussis
In addressing pertussis, TCM offers a variety of herbal formulas, each suited to different disharmony patterns observed in patients. For instance, formulas like Jiu Xian San, which includes Poppy Capsules, are used for cases marked by Lung Qi and Yin Deficiency. For patterns involving Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, formulas like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, featuring Poria-Cocos Mushrooms, are recommended. In scenarios where Wind-Cold invades with an underlying Yang Deficiency, Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang with Ephedra is often prescribed.
For Lung Yin Deficiency, Mai Men Dong Tang which utilizes Dwarf Lilyturf Roots, is a common choice. In cases with Heat invading the Pericardium, Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan, containing Ox Gallstones, is used. Each formula is carefully selected based on the individual's specific symptoms and overall constitution, aiming to harmonize the imbalances and alleviate the symptoms of pertussis effectively. The choice of treatment in TCM is holistic, considering the entirety of the individual's symptoms and overall health condition.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pertussis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that secure lungs and stop coughing
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that clear dryness
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
Formulas that secure Lungs and stop coughing
Pertussis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to lung deficiency, leading to chronic cough or breathing difficulties.
One such formula is Jiu Xian San, with poppy capsule as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Pertussis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
Pertussis can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Pertussis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, with dwarf lilyturf root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Pertussis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.
One such formula is Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan, with ox gallstone as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Pertussis can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Dryness
Pertussis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by dryness affecting the body.
One such formula is Sang Xing Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Pertussis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Shi Gao Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Pertussis can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Wei Jing Tang, with common reed rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Pertussis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Xie Bai San, with mulberry bark as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind
Pertussis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to phlegm causing internal wind symptoms, such as tremors or dizziness.
One such formula is Zhi Sou San, with aster root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Pertussis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pertussis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Pertussis can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pertussis, like Sang Xing Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" recommended for pertussis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) | Sang Xing Tang |
| Aster Roots (Zi Wan) | Zhi Sou San |
| Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) | Zhi Sou San |
| Coltsfoot Flowers (Kuan Dong Hua) | Not applicable |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Pertussis can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Poppy Capsules (Ying Su Ke), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pertussis, like Jiu Xian San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for pertussis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Poppy Capsules (Ying Su Ke) | Jiu Xian San |
| Chinese Plums (Wu Mei) | Not applicable |
| Ginkgo Nuts (Bai Guo) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Pertussis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pertussis, like Sang Xing Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for pertussis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) | Sang Xing Tang |
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Shi Gao Tang |
| Common Reed Rhizomes (Lu Gen) | Wei Jing Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Pertussis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Codonopsis Roots (Dang Shen), which is directly recommended for pertussis.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for pertussis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Codonopsis Roots (Dang Shen) | Not applicable |
| Yam (Shan Yao) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Pertussis can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pertussis, like Mai Men Dong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for pertussis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) | Mai Men Dong Tang |
| Lily Bulbs (Bai He) | Not applicable |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Pertussis can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pertussis, like Xie Bai San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for pertussis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi) | Xie Bai San |
| Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) | Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan |
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Pertussis 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), which is directly recommended for pertussis.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Pertussis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pertussis, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pertussis 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 pertussis, like Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pertussis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pertussis, like Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang.