Acute Icteric Hepatitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Hepatitis and Liver Conditions
Parent symptom: Icteric Hepatitis
What is Acute Icteric Hepatitis?
Acute icteric hepatitis is a sudden onset of liver inflammation that results in jaundice, where the skin and eyes take on a yellowish hue due to elevated bilirubin levels. This condition is often caused by viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, or C, and can also result from toxic exposures or autoimmune disorders. The liver's inability to properly process and excrete bilirubin leads to its accumulation in the body, causing the characteristic yellow discoloration. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
How Does TCM View Acute Icteric Hepatitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acute icteric hepatitis is understood through the concept of patterns of disharmony rather than a singular disease entity. TCM practitioners believe that symptoms like jaundice and liver inflammation arise from underlying imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, and other vital substances. Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment, as it allows for a personalized approach that addresses both the symptoms and their root causes.
Causes of Acute Icteric Hepatitis According to TCM
TCM attributes acute icteric hepatitis to several potential patterns of disharmony, with two common causes being Damp-Heat and Toxic-Heat. Damp-Heat occurs when excessive heat combines with dampness in the body, leading to symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, and a greasy yellow tongue coating. This pattern often arises from dietary indiscretions, such as consuming too much fatty or greasy food.
On the other hand, Toxic-Heat is characterized by severe heat toxins affecting the liver, leading to intense fever, jaundice, and a rapid pulse. This pattern can result from viral infections or exposure to toxic substances. Recognizing these patterns allows practitioners to tailor treatments to the specific needs of the patient, addressing both the symptoms and their underlying causes.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Acute Icteric Hepatitis
In TCM, the treatment of acute icteric hepatitis involves using formulas and herbs that target the identified patterns of disharmony. For clearing Heat and resolving toxicity, formulas like Liang Ge San with Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) are commonly prescribed. This formula is effective in treating Heart Fire blazing by cooling and detoxifying the body.
Another recommended formula is Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, which includes Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin). This formula is used to treat patterns of Wind-Heat and Toxic-Heat, helping to clear heat and eliminate toxins. The choice of formulas and herbs will vary depending on the patient’s specific pattern, highlighting the personalized nature of TCM treatments.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address acute icteric hepatitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Acute icteric hepatitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Liang Ge San, with forsythia fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for acute icteric hepatitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Liang Ge San | Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) |
| Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
TCM Herbs for Acute Icteric Hepatitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address acute icteric hepatitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Acute icteric hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute icteric hepatitis, like Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for acute icteric hepatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Acute icteric hepatitis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute icteric hepatitis, like Liang Ge San.