Symptom families: Viral Infections, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Parent symptom: Pneumonia
The early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia represent the initial phase of a lung infection caused by viruses or mycoplasma - a type of bacteria without a cell wall. These early stages are crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms often include a mild fever, cough, headache, and muscle pain. Unlike bacterial pneumonia, which typically presents with high fever and more pronounced symptoms, viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia in its early stages may be more subtle and insidious in onset.
TCM Perspective on Early Stages of Viral and Mycoplasmic Pneumonia
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia by focusing on the body's overall balance and energy flow. TCM practitioners believe that these infections start with an invasion of external pathogenic factors like Wind and Cold, leading to imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy).
The treatment aims to strengthen the body's defensive Qi, expel pathogens, and restore harmony. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on killing the pathogen, TCM emphasizes on enhancing the body's innate ability to heal itself.
In TCM, the early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia are often associated with two primary patterns. Firstly, an invasion of Wind-Cold in the Lung, leading to symptoms like coughing and slight fever.
Secondly, a pattern of Phlegm-Dampness, where the body's inability to properly transform and transport fluids leads to Phlegm accumulation, causing cough and a sensation of chest oppression. The treatment in TCM focuses on expelling the invading pathogen and resolving the Phlegm to restore lung function and Qi flow.
TCM utilizes specific herbal formulas to address the unique patterns observed in the early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia. For instance, Zhi Sou San is a recommended formula, particularly effective in cases where Wind-Cold invades the lungs, leading to cough and Phlegm. This formula includes Aster Roots (Zi Wan), recognized for its ability to transform Phlegm and stop cough.
The choice of formula is based on the individual's specific symptoms and underlying TCM pattern, highlighting the personalized approach of TCM in treating respiratory infections.
See more details below about Zhi Sou San, a herbal formula used to address early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia.
Early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to phlegm causing internal wind symptoms, such as tremors or dizziness.
One such formula is Zhi Sou San, with aster root as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia, organized by herb category.
Early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Aster Roots (Zi Wan), a key herb in some formulas recommended for early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia, like Zhi Sou San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Aster Roots (Zi Wan) | Zhi Sou San |
Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) | Zhi Sou San |