Radiation Therapy 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 radiation therapy fever?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views radiation therapy fever as a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body's systems. Unlike Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the symptomatic treatment of fever, TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying and treating the root cause of the imbalance.

Radiation therapy fever is seen as a result of various patterns of disharmony within the body, such as Heat accumulation, Yin Deficiency, or Qi And Blood Stagnation. Effective treatment in TCM involves diagnosing the specific pattern and applying appropriate herbal formulas and acupuncture to restore balance and alleviate the fever.

Causes of radiation therapy fever according to TCM

One common cause of radiation therapy fever in TCM is the presence of Heat in the Qi Level of the 4 Level Theory. This pattern occurs when the body's Defensive Qi is disrupted by radiation, leading to excessive Heat. Symptoms associated with this pattern include high fever, irritability, thirst, and a rapid pulse.

Another potential cause is Lung and Stomach Heat injuring the Qi and Fluids, where radiation depletes the body's essential fluids and generates internal Heat. This can manifest as fever, dry mouth, dry cough, and a red tongue with little coating. Understanding these patterns helps TCM practitioners to tailor treatments that address both the fever and its underlying causes.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Radiation Therapy Fever

In TCM, treating radiation therapy fever involves using specific herbal formulas that target the identified pattern of disharmony. For cases where there is Heat in the Qi level, the formula Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang is often 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 patterns involving Stomach Fluid Deficiency and Lung and Stomach Heat injuring the Qi and Fluids.

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

TCM Herbs for Radiation Therapy Fever

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