Applying TCM Principle For Expelling Pathogenic Factors In The Treatment Of Infectious Pneumonia

Infectious pneumonia is an acute infection involving the distal lung parenchyma, suchas alveoli or respiratory bronchioles. More than 30 different organisms can cause it,including bacteria, viruses, mycoplasmas and other infectious agents, such as fungi. It canbe recognized clinically in most patients with acute cough, sputum production, fever over38.9℃, and generalized respiratory distress. Shortness of breath and chest pain happenon occassion. Pneumonia is a common illness that affects millions of people each year.The symptoms of pneumonia range from mild to severe, even fatal.Pneumonia is classified under Feng-wen, or Ke-sou [cough] category in TraditionalChinese Medicine (TCM). Literature study showed that both conventional and TCMshared similar views on causes and pathology of pneumonia. However, in terms oftreatment, TCM has its rules and characteristics, which is currently still being recognized asclinically effective.Stagnate energy (qi) which obstructing circulation, is deemed critical as it would causeseverity of pneumonia, which in turn obstruct normal function of lungs. This paperhighlighted holly treatment of TCM to regulate the mal-functioned energy (qi) via expellingpathogenic factors. Emphasis is on the rules of expelling the causes of stagnate energydue to lung infection, e.g. organisms, phelgm, blood clog, etc. To fullfill the rules, diagnosis of clinical syndrome, assessment of progress and trends of illness are to be takeninto consideration.