Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a specific type of chronic, progressive, fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause that occurs in adults. Its imaging and/or histologic pattern is consistent with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the categories of “lung atrophy” (fei wei) and “lung impediment” (fei bi), among others.
TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Dry cough without phlegm, or scant, sticky phlegm that may be blood-streaked; severe, paroxysmal coughing; chest pain with severe coughing; dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat.
In plain language:
- Dry cough with little or no phlegm
- Or a small amount of very sticky phlegm, possibly with streaks of blood
- Severe coughing, often in bouts
- Chest pain when coughing severely
- Dry mouth, nose, and throat
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear the lungs, moisten dryness, diffuse lung qi, and stop coughing.
In plain language:
- Clear “heat” from the lungs and moisten dry airways, easing dry mouth, throat dryness, dry cough with little phlegm, or thick, difficult-to-cough-up phlegm
- Regulate the movement of lung qi and encourage its downward flow to ease coughing and chest tightness and support more comfortable breathing
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the outer packaging and package insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Cough with yellow phlegm, rapid breathing, restlessness, bitter taste in the mouth, and constipation. The tongue is red with a yellow coating; the pulse is wiry and slippery or slippery and rapid.
In plain language:
- Cough with yellow phlegm
- Rapid breathing or feeling short of breath
- Restlessness and a bitter taste in the mouth
- Hard, dry stools or constipation
- A reddish tongue with a yellow coating
- The pulse feels taut or slippery and relatively rapid (as noted by a doctor during an examination)
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear the lungs, transform phlegm, stop coughing, and relieve wheezing.
In plain language:
- Address phlegm and “heat” in the lungs, helping loosen phlegm so it may be easier to cough up and easing a clogged feeling in the throat and chest tightness
- Reduce coughing and ease shortness of breath and rapid breathing, supporting steadier, more comfortable breathing
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the outer packaging and package insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Marked breathlessness on exertion, palpitations, and fatigue; dusky or purplish lips and nails; rough, scaly skin. The tongue is dark or has purple spots or patches; the pulse is deep and thready or choppy.
In plain language:
- Noticeable shortness of breath with activity
- Palpitations and fatigue
- Dusky or purplish lips and nails
- Dark, dry, rough skin
- A dark-colored tongue or purple spots or patches on the tongue
- The pulse feels deep and thready, or uneven (as noted by a doctor during an examination)
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Tonify qi, invigorate blood, unblock the channels, and disperse blood stasis.
In plain language:
- Support qi and promote blood circulation to support stamina and energy and ease symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and cold hands and feet
- Unblock the channels and address blood stasis to ease stabbing or distending pain, numbness, stiffness, or purplish bruising, and support the reduction of swelling and recovery
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the outer packaging and package insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Chest tightness and shortness of breath, worse with exertion; weak, quiet voice; sweating and aversion to drafts; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; vexing heat in the palms, soles, and chest. The tongue is red with a scant coating; the pulse is deep, thready, and weak.
In plain language:
- Chest tightness and shortness of breath, more noticeable after activity
- A quiet voice and a sense of low energy when speaking
- Easy sweating and sensitivity to drafts
- Soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees
- A feeling of heat in the palms, soles, and chest, with inner restlessness
- A reddish tongue with very little coating
- The pulse feels deep and thready, and lacks strength (as noted by a doctor during an examination)
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Regulate and tonify the lung and kidney, nourish yin, and supplement qi.
In plain language:
- Regulate and support the functions of both the lungs and kidneys, support energy and resilience, and improve respiratory stamina, with the aim of easing persistent cough, shortness of breath, susceptibility to colds, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, sensitivity to cold, or frequent nighttime urination
- Nourish the body’s fluids and support vital qi to ease dry cough, throat dryness, night sweats, restlessness, and fatigue or low energy, and support overall recovery
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the outer packaging and package insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Song Ning, Duan Lin. Interpretation of the 2015 ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT Guidelines for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis[J]. Clinical Focus, 2015, 30(9): 1073-1080.
- Cai Hourong. Interpretation of the 2011 evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis[J]. Chinese Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2011, 10(4): 313-316.
- Zhang Hongchun. Explanation of TCM Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines: Respiratory Diseases[M]. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2015.
- Wang Yongyan, Chao Enxiang, Wang Guiqiang. Guidelines for the Clinical Use of Chinese Patent Medicines: Infectious Diseases[M]. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2015.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China: Clinical Medication Guide—Chinese Medicine Compound Preparations[M]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2010.
- Fang Laiying, Jin Shiyuan, Li Qiangou. Prescription Formulary for Medical Institutions in Beijing: Chinese Medicine[M]. Shanghai: Second Military Medical University Press, 2011.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. National Drug Standards: New Drug Conversion Standards[S]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2006.