Urinary Retention

Urinary retention (long bi) is a disorder characterized by reduced urine output and difficulty urinating, which may progress to complete urinary obstruction. When urination is impaired, with only a small amount of urine passing drop by drop and a slower course, it is called long; when urination is obstructed and no urine passes, with a more acute course, it is called bi. The disease involves the kidneys and bladder and is attributed to dysfunction of these organs, resulting in impaired qi transformation in the Triple Burner. In Western medicine, this condition corresponds to urinary retention and anuria caused by various conditions, such as oliguria or anuria in acute or chronic kidney failure due to prerenal, postrenal, or renal parenchymal disease, as well as urinary retention caused by urinary stones, urethral tumors, urethral stricture or injury, benign prostatic hyperplasia, bladder sphincter spasm, neurogenic urinary retention, or myelitis.

TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Urine passes only drop by drop or in small amounts and is dark, reddish, and burning; fullness and distension in the lower abdomen; bitter, sticky taste in the mouth; dry mouth without desire to drink; sometimes difficult bowel movements; red tongue with a yellow, greasy coating at the root; rapid pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Very little urine may pass, sometimes only a few drops. It may be dark yellow or reddish and accompanied by a burning sensation, making urination uncomfortable.
  • The lower abdomen feels full, distended, and uncomfortable, as if urine is being held in.
  • The mouth tastes bitter and feels sticky. The mouth may be dry, but there is little desire to drink, and speaking or swallowing may feel dry.
  • Bowel movements may sometimes be difficult, with straining or longer intervals between stools.
  • The tongue is somewhat red, with a yellow, greasy coating at the root.
  • The pulse is faster than usual.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Clear heat and drain dampness; promote urination.

In Plain Language:

  • May help clear internal heat and promote the elimination of dampness, easing discomforts such as feeling hot and restless, heaviness in the body, or swelling in the lower limbs.
  • May help promote urination and ease symptoms such as scanty, dark urine, dribbling or difficulty urinating, or a burning sensation during urination.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Urinary urgency and pain; difficulty and impaired flow during urination; a thin stream and frequent urination; lower back pain; dry mouth without desire to drink; sometimes difficult bowel movements; red tongue with a yellow, greasy coating; rapid pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Urination may come on suddenly and be painful. The stream may be weak or difficult to pass, become thinner, and occur more often, making urination uncomfortable.
  • The lower back may be painful or uncomfortable, especially with movement or prolonged sitting.
  • The mouth may feel dry, but there may be little desire to drink. Speaking or swallowing may also feel dry.
  • Bowel movements may sometimes be difficult, with straining or longer intervals between stools.
  • The tongue is somewhat red, with a yellow, greasy coating that may appear thick.
  • The pulse is faster than usual.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Clear and drain dampness; transform blood stasis and dissipate accumulations.

In Plain Language:

  • May help clear dampness from the body, easing discomforts such as heaviness, fatigue in the head and body, or difficulty urinating.
  • May help address stagnation and dissipate masses, easing manifestations such as abdominal masses, localized swelling or hardness, or pain.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Impaired urination; thin stream; frequent urination; distension and pain in the lower abdomen; lower back pain; red tongue with a yellow, greasy coating; sublingual stasis spots; rapid pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Urination is difficult, and passing urine may require straining.
  • The stream is thin and weak, with a small volume of urine passing slowly.
  • Urination is more frequent, with a repeated urge to go to the toilet.
  • The lower abdomen feels full and painful, with a sensation of pressure and distension.
  • The lower back may feel painful or uncomfortable, especially with movement or prolonged sitting.
  • The tongue is somewhat red, with a yellow, greasy coating.
  • Dark purplish spots or patches may be visible beneath the tongue, and the veins may appear congested.
  • The pulse is faster than usual and may feel rapid when palpated.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Clear and drain dampness; regulate qi and invigorate blood.

In Plain Language:

  • May help clear dampness from the body, easing discomforts such as heaviness, fatigue in the head and body, or difficulty urinating.
  • May help regulate qi and promote blood circulation, easing manifestations such as distension and pain in the chest or flanks, painful areas of blood stasis, or menstrual irregularity.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Impaired urination with dribbling and incomplete emptying; yellow urine; thin stream; frequent urination; sticky mouth; distension and pain in the perineum; unsatisfactory bowel movements; dark purple tongue with a thick, yellow, greasy coating; sublingual blood stasis spots; wiry, rapid pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Urination is difficult and may require straining, with a feeling that urine is not passing freely.
  • Urine continues to dribble after urination, with a persistent feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely.
  • The urine appears yellow or darker in color.
  • The stream is thin and weak, passing slowly and uncomfortably.
  • Urination becomes frequent, with a persistent urge to go to the toilet.
  • The mouth feels sticky or greasy, including when speaking or swallowing.
  • The perineum feels full and painful, causing discomfort when sitting, standing, or moving.
  • Bowel movements may feel unsatisfactory, with difficulty passing stool or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
  • The tongue appears purplish and dark.
  • The tongue is covered with a thick, yellow, greasy coating.
  • Dark purple spots or patches may be visible beneath the tongue, and the veins may appear congested.
  • The pulse feels taut and rapid when palpated.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Clear heat and drain dampness; dissipate accumulations and remove blood stasis.

In Plain Language:

  • May help clear internal heat and promote the elimination of dampness, easing discomforts such as feeling hot and restless, heaviness in the body, or scanty, dark urine.
  • May help dissipate accumulations and address blood stasis, easing manifestations such as abdominal masses, localized swelling or hardness, or pain.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Frequent urination; delayed, difficult urination; dribbling after urination; cold, painful, weak, and sore lower back and knees; pale tongue with a white, slippery coating; deep, thready pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Urination is more frequent, with a repeated urge to go to the toilet.
  • Urination may start slowly and be difficult, requiring effort to pass urine more freely.
  • Urine may continue to dribble after urination, with a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely.
  • The lower back and knees may feel cold, painful, and weak, especially with movement or prolonged sitting.
  • The tongue is somewhat pale.
  • The tongue is covered with a white, slippery coating and may appear moist.
  • The pulse is deep and thready, becoming clearer when pressed more deeply, and may feel weak.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Boost qi and warm yang; invigorate blood and promote urination.

In Plain Language:

  • May help support qi and warm yang, easing discomforts such as aversion to cold, cold limbs, fatigue, or soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees.
  • May help promote blood circulation and fluid excretion, easing manifestations such as blood stasis marks, swelling, difficulty urinating, or heaviness in the body.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Frequent and urgent urination; difficulty and impaired flow during urination; dribbling after urination; distension and a dragging sensation in the lower abdomen and perineum; dark purple tongue, sometimes with sublingual blood stasis spots; white tongue coating; wiry or choppy pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Urination becomes more frequent and urgent, with a repeated urge to go to the toilet that is difficult to hold back.
  • Urination may be difficult to start, requiring effort to pass urine.
  • The flow of urine may be weak or impaired, with a thin stream and a persistent feeling that urination is not going smoothly.
  • Urine may continue to dribble after urination, with a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely.
  • The lower abdomen and perineum may feel distended and heavy, causing discomfort with movement.
  • The tongue appears purplish and dark, with a dull appearance.
  • Purplish spots or patches may be visible beneath the tongue, and the veins may appear congested.
  • The tongue is covered with a white coating.
  • The pulse may feel taut or irregular and sluggish when palpated.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Move blood stasis and dissipate accumulations; transform qi and promote urination.

In Plain Language:

  • May help address blood stasis and dissipate accumulations, easing discomforts such as abdominal masses, localized swelling or hardness, or pain.
  • May help promote the movement of qi and the excretion of fluids, easing manifestations such as difficulty urinating, swelling, or heaviness in the body.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Impaired urination; frequent urination at night; thin, weak stream; dribbling or frequent urination; urinary urgency; lower back pain; cold, painful, weak, and sore lower back and knees; dark tongue with a white coating; deep, thready or choppy pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Urination is difficult, and passing urine may require straining.
  • There are frequent trips to the toilet at night, which may interrupt sleep.
  • The stream is thin and weak, and urine passes slowly.
  • Urine may continue to dribble after urination, or urination may become more frequent.
  • Urination may come on suddenly, with an urgent need to go to the toilet.
  • The lower back may be painful or uncomfortable, especially with movement or prolonged sitting.
  • The lower back and knees may feel cold, sore, and weak, with reduced support when walking or standing.
  • The tongue appears dark, with a white coating.
  • The pulse is deep and thready, becoming clearer when pressed more deeply, or may feel sluggish and uneven.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Invigorate blood and soften hardness; warm yang and promote urination.

In Plain Language:

  • May help promote blood circulation and soften hardness, easing discomforts such as abdominal masses, localized swelling or hardness, or pain.
  • May help warm yang and promote the excretion of fluids, easing manifestations such as difficulty urinating, swelling, or heaviness in the body.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Frequent, urgent, and painful urination; thin stream; cramping pain in the lower abdomen; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; pale tongue with a white coating; deep, thready pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Urination becomes more frequent, with repeated trips to the toilet that may interfere with daily activities.
  • Urination may come on suddenly, with a strong urge to pass urine right away.
  • Urination is painful, with discomfort in the urethra that may be more noticeable when passing urine.
  • Pain during urination may continue, with persistent stinging and discomfort.
  • The urine stream is very thin, like a fine thread, and may be narrow and weak.
  • The lower abdomen feels tense and cramping, with pain and difficulty relaxing.
  • The lower back and knees may feel sore and weak, especially after prolonged standing or sitting, or after activity.
  • The tongue is somewhat pale, with a white coating.
  • The pulse is deep and relatively thready, becoming clearer when pressed deeply, and may feel weak.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Warm the kidneys and promote qi transformation; invigorate blood and resolve blood stasis.

In Plain Language:

  • May help warm and support kidney qi and its qi-transforming function, easing discomforts such as aversion to cold, cold limbs, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, or difficulty urinating.
  • May help promote blood circulation and address stasis, easing manifestations such as painful blood stasis marks, localized swelling or hardness, or menstrual irregularity.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Urine may be completely obstructed or pass only drop by drop with difficulty; weak urination; pale, bright complexion; low spirits and timidity; aversion to cold and cold limbs; cold, sore, and weak lower back and knees; pale, swollen tongue with a thin, white coating; deep, thready or weak pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Urination may be completely obstructed, or only a few drops may pass with difficulty.
  • Urine may pass with little force, with a thin, weak stream that is slow and unsatisfactory.
  • The face may appear pale and shiny, with little color or luster.
  • The person may seem timid and low in energy, speak softly, and tire more easily with activity.
  • There may be marked sensitivity to cold, with cold hands and feet that are slow to warm up; exposure to cold may worsen discomfort.
  • The lower back and knees may feel cold, sore, and weak, with reduced support when walking or standing.
  • The tongue is pale and swollen.
  • The tongue is covered with a thin, white coating.
  • The pulse becomes clearer when pressed deeply and may feel thready and weak.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Warm the kidneys and promote qi transformation; promote urination and reduce swelling.

In Plain Language:

  • May help warm and support kidney qi and its qi-transforming function, easing discomforts such as aversion to cold, cold limbs, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, or fatigue.
  • May help promote fluid excretion and reduce swelling, easing manifestations such as difficulty urinating, swelling in the lower limbs, or heaviness in the body.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

Jisheng Shenqi Wan

References

  1. Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (Volume I) [M]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2006, 6.
  2. State Drug Administration. Compilation of National Standards for Chinese Patent Medicines (Internal Medicine · Kidney Section) [S]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2002, 5.
  3. Pharmacopoeia Commission of the Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China. Drug Standards of the Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China (Tibetan Medicines, Volume I) [S]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 1995: 193.
  4. Yu Zhonghao, Zhu Guangbin, Li Qiaoliang, et al. Effects of Qianlie Longbitong Tablets on IL-8, TNF-α, and TGF-β₁ in prostate tissue of rats with prostatitis [J]. Clinical Research and Practice, 2016, 4: 45.
  5. He Gang. Clinical efficacy of Zegui Longshuang Capsules combined with clarithromycin extended-release tablets in treating prostatitis in older adults and their effects on inflammatory factors in prostatic fluid [J]. Chinese Journal of Biochemical Pharmaceutics, 2016, 4: 135-137.