Pulmonary emphysema
AliasChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Pulmonary Emphysema, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), falls under the category of lung-related diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. According to the records in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," pulmonary emphysema refers to a chronic lung disease characterized by the obstruction of lung qi, leading to its failure in ascending and descending, resulting in distension of lung qi and difficulty in breathing. The main symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and in chronic cases, chest fullness, palpitations, and fatigue.
In TCM clinical practice, pulmonary emphysema is a common chronic lung disease. The core pathogenesis is obstruction of lung Qi and failure of diffusion and descent. Common triggers include chronic illness and weakness, contraction of exogenous pathogens, and improper diet. During syndrome differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing cold, heat, deficiency, and excess. Key points are as follows:
1. Cold and heat: Phlegm-turbidity obstructing the lung syndrome mostly manifests as copious clear sputum, cough with white sputum, aversion to cold and cold limbs; phlegm-heat stagnating the lung syndrome manifests as yellow sticky sputum, dry mouth and throat, fever and irritability.
2. Deficiency and excess: Lung-kidney Qi deficiency syndrome manifests as shallow and short breathing, low voice and timid Qi, worsening breathlessness on exertion; phlegm-turbidity obstructing the lung syndrome manifests as fullness in the chest, cough with copious sputum, shortness of breath and panting.
Overall direction of regulation: In TCM clinical practice, treatment should follow the principle of "supporting the upright and expelling the pathogen", adopting corresponding treatment methods based on different syndrome types. Phlegm-turbidity obstructing the lung syndrome should be treated by resolving phlegm and directing Qi downward, strengthening the spleen and benefiting the lung; phlegm-heat stagnating the lung syndrome should be treated by clearing the lung and resolving phlegm, directing rebellious Qi downward and calming panting; lung-kidney Qi deficiency syndrome should be treated by tonifying the lung and anchoring the kidney, directing Qi downward and calming panting. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that by regulating the functions of the lung, spleen, and kidney, the goal of improving symptoms can be achieved.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Phlegm-damp obstruction in the lung
Main Manifestations: Chest oppression, copious phlegm cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing
Management Approach: Resolve phlegm and reduce Qi, invigorate the spleen and benefit the lung
Phlegm-heat Retention in the Lung
Main Manifestations: Cough with retching, wheezing, rough breathing, yellow, thick phlegm, and irritability
Management Approach: Clear the lung and resolve phlegm, reduce reverse and relieve asthma
Lung and Kidney Qi Deficiency
Main Manifestations: Shallow breathing, low voice, timid breathing, and severe asthma upon exertion
Management Approach: Tonify the lung and kidney, reduce Qi and relieve asthma
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
Patients with pulmonary emphysema have rapid breathing. Observation of a dark complexion and purple lips and nails often indicates Qi deficiency and blood stasis.
— Li Mingjiu Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)