Chemotherapy Feveraccording to TCM

What is radiation therapy fever?

Radiation therapy fever is a condition characterized by an elevated body temperature occurring as a side effect of radiation therapy. This type of fever can develop during or after treatment and is a common reaction to the body's exposure to high-energy radiation used to destroy cancer cells. The fever often indicates an inflammatory response and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, fatigue, and general malaise. Managing this fever is crucial for the overall comfort and health of the patient undergoing radiation therapy.

How does TCM view chemotherapy fever?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views chemotherapy fever as a manifestation of internal imbalances caused by the aggressive nature of chemotherapy. Unlike Western medicine, which primarily addresses the symptomatic relief of fever, TCM emphasizes understanding and treating the root causes of the imbalance. Identifying the correct pattern is essential for effective treatment, which involves using herbal formulas and acupuncture to restore balance and alleviate the fever.

Causes of chemotherapy fever according to TCM

One primary TCM pattern associated with chemotherapy fever is Stomach Fluid Deficiency. This pattern arises when chemotherapy depletes the body's essential fluids, leading to symptoms such as fever, dry mouth, and a dry tongue with little coating.

Another relevant pattern is Lung and Stomach Heat Injuring the Qi and Fluids. Chemotherapy can generate internal Heat that damages the Lung and Stomach's Qi and Fluids, resulting in fever, irritability, dry cough, and thirst. Recognizing these patterns helps TCM practitioners to develop targeted treatments that address both the fever and its underlying causes.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Chemotherapy Fever

In TCM, treating chemotherapy fever involves using specific herbal formulas tailored to the patient's underlying pattern of disharmony. For both Stomach Fluid Deficiency and Lung and Stomach Heat Injuring the Qi and Fluids, Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang is commonly recommended. This formula includes Gypsum (Shi Gao), known for its pungent, sweet, and cold properties, which helps to clear Heat and replenish fluids. It is particularly effective for reducing fever and alleviating symptoms such as dry mouth and dry cough.

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

TCM Herbs for Chemotherapy Fever

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