Postsurgical Infections Feveraccording to TCM

What is postsurgical infections fever?

Postsurgical infections fever is a condition characterized by an elevated body temperature following surgery, often due to an infection. This type of fever is a common postoperative complication and can arise from infections at the surgical site, within the lungs (such as pneumonia), or other areas affected by the surgery. Fever is the body's natural response to infection, signaling an ongoing immune response to eliminate the invading pathogens. Managing this condition promptly is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure a smooth recovery process for the patient.

How does TCM view postsurgical infections fever?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views postsurgical infections fever through the lens of various patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on the infection itself, TCM emphasizes the underlying imbalances that make the body susceptible to infections and fever. These imbalances can include patterns such as Heat in the Qi level, Blood Stagnation, or Damp-Heat accumulation. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is essential for effective treatment in TCM, as different patterns require different therapeutic approaches to restore balance and health.

Causes of postsurgical infections fever according to TCM

In TCM, one common cause of postsurgical infections fever is Stomach Fluid Deficiency. This pattern often presents with symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and a red tongue with little coating. Stomach Fluid Deficiency can occur after surgery due to the body's increased need for fluids to heal and repair tissues, coupled with the loss of fluids during the procedure.

Another potential cause is Heat in the Lungs and Stomach injuring the Qi and Body Fluids. This pattern can arise from the stress and trauma of surgery, which disrupts the body's balance and generates excessive Heat. Symptoms include high fever, irritability, thirst, and a rapid pulse. The Heat in these organs dries out the fluids, leading to dehydration and further compromising the body's ability to recover.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Postsurgical Infections Fever

In TCM, treating postsurgical infections fever involves using specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying pattern of disharmony. For cases involving Stomach Fluid Deficiency, formulas such as Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang are often recommended. This formula includes Gypsum (Shi Gao), which is pungent, sweet, and cold, helping to clear Heat and support the fluids of the Stomach and Lungs.

For patterns involving Heat in the Lungs and Stomach injuring the Qi and Body Fluids, other formulas that clear Heat and nourish the fluids might be used. Each formula is selected based on the patient's specific symptoms and overall pattern of disharmony, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment. This holistic method not only addresses the fever and infection but also works to restore the body's natural balance and promote healing.

See more details below about Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang, a herbal formula used to address postsurgical infections fever.

TCM Herbs for Postsurgical Infections Fever

See more details below about Gypsum (Shi Gao), a herb used to address postsurgical infections fever.