Fever Of Unknown Originaccording to TCM
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Symptom family: Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions
Parent symptom: Fever
What is fever of unknown origin?
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a condition characterized by a persistent fever without an identifiable cause after thorough medical evaluation. This condition is typically defined by a fever lasting more than three weeks, with temperatures exceeding 38.3°C (101°F) on several occasions, and where the underlying cause remains elusive despite extensive diagnostic efforts. It presents a challenging scenario for healthcare providers as it requires a broad differential diagnosis and often involves multidisciplinary management.
How does TCM view fever of unknown origin?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views fever of unknown origin as a manifestation of internal disharmony, often linked to various patterns of imbalance within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which seeks a specific pathogen or disease process, TCM emphasizes the importance of understanding the body's overall condition and its interplay of energies. Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it forms the basis for personalized treatment strategies that aim to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.
Causes of fever of unknown origin according to TCM
In TCM, fever of unknown origin can stem from various patterns of disharmony. One prevalent cause is Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, where the digestive system's weakened state fails to regulate body temperature effectively, leading to persistent fevers. Another potential cause is Full Heat with Yin Deficiency, where excessive internal heat depletes the body's Yin, causing prolonged fever and associated symptoms. These patterns underscore the importance of a holistic approach in TCM, focusing on restoring balance within the body's internal energies.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Fever Of Unknown Origin
TCM treatment for fever of unknown origin involves specific herbal formulas tailored to the identified pattern of disharmony. For patterns related to Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang is recommended. This formula includes Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), which is Sweet and Warm, effectively tonifying Qi and addressing the deficiency.
For patterns involving Full Heat with Yin Deficiency, Qin Jiao Bie Jia San is used. This formula features Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia), which have Salty and Neutral properties, helping to clear heat and nourish Yin. These formulas, by targeting the specific patterns of disharmony, offer a comprehensive approach to treating fever of unknown origin and promoting overall health.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address fever of unknown origin, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and augment qi
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and augment Qi
Fever of unknown origin can be treated by these formulas when there's a combination of weakened vital energy and the effects of summer heat, requiring both cooling and energy boosting.
One such formula is Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, with american ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Fever of unknown origin can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
Fever of unknown origin can be treated by these formulas if it is due to an imbalance where yin deficiency leads to a false heat syndrome.
One such formula is Qin Jiao Bie Jia San, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Fever Of Unknown Origin
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address fever of unknown origin, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Fever of unknown origin 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 American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for fever of unknown origin, like Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for fever of unknown origin
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) | Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Fever of unknown origin 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 Watermelons (Xi Gua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for fever of unknown origin, like Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Fever of unknown origin 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 Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for fever of unknown origin, like Qin Jiao Bie Jia San.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Fever of unknown origin can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Gentian Roots (Qin Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for fever of unknown origin, like Qin Jiao Bie Jia San.