BIRMINGHAM CENTRE FOR CHINESE MEDICINE
245 Alcester Road South, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 6DT
Tel: 0121-441 2757
CASE HISTORIES - ASTHMA
Respiratory problems are often well-treated with Chinese medicine, and provide, in particular, a promising approach to the growing problem of asthma.
CASE
The patient was a boy of 13 who had suffered with severe asthma since infancy. His medication comprised the normal combination of inhalers (steroid and broncho-dilator), together with a leukotrene receptor antagonist (singulair). He had recurrent severe episodes (about four times a year), sometimes following chest infections, and he would then take a course of internal steroid treatment (prednisolone). He also suffered with bad hay fever between April and September, treated with anti-histamines, and with mild eczema. He had a severe peanut allergy for which adrenaline was kept in case of need. His digestion, bowel and appetite were normal. His tongue was slightly pale and his pulse slightly irregular.
As with many who seek help from Chinese medicine, the patient was anxious to reduce dependence on medication. The main principles of treatment were to ‘regulate Lung Qi’ with the object of restoring normal respiratory function, and to help to 'supplement' the Lungs so as to reduce future attacks. As in other chronic cases which involve recurrent severe symptoms and an underlying susceptibility to disease, the aim was to deal with symptoms (called the ‘external manifestation’) while helping to strengthen the underlying Organ function (the ‘root’). This involved using herbs to regulate the Lung Qi so as to counteract wheezing, shortness of breath and cough (Kuan Dong Hua [Flos Tussilaginis], Xing Ren [Semen Pruni Armeniacae], Hou Po [Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis]), to resolve Phlegm which is typically present in asthmatic conditions (Ban Xia [Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae], Chen Pi [Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae]), to scatter Wind in order to deal with the symptoms of rhinitis (Cang Er Zi [Fructus Xanthii]), and to support the root with the object of building the patient's armoury against further acute attacks (Huang Qi [Radix Astragali], Fang Feng [Radix Ledebouriellae], Wu Wei Zi [Fructus Schisandrae]). The formula also took into account that the patient’s disharmony belonged to a Cold pattern.
Following these principles gained a good response, as measured by the patient’s sense of well-being and ability to engage in sport, by a reduced need for medication and greatly improved objective breathing tests. The singulair was stopped, the dosage for the steroid inhaler was reduced by half (and it is planned to reduce it further when appropriate), while the broncho-dilator was no longer being used although it remained on stand-by. Communication was established with the patient’s consultant who was sympathetic to the use of Chinese medicine or any approach that might help to reduce the patient's dependence on drugs. Further cooperation was gained in relation to the use of Apricot kernel (Xing Ren [Semen Pruni Armeniacae]), which is an important ingredient for some patterns of asthma. In the presence of a severe nut allergy this could not be used without a prior check, and medical staff at the patient's hospital were helpful. A patch test was carried out, and the patient was closely observed while taking a dose of herbal tea containing apricot kernel. There were no ill effects, and this item could thereafter be safely included.
The treatment continued for 18 months and the teas were then discontinued. The patient then took a low dose of medicine in pill form for a few weeks, mainly in order to support the 'root'. It is quite possible that the use of the teas could have been brought to an end much sooner, but both practitioner and patient decided to play safe by continuing to provide support while conventional medication was being reduced. 18 months is undoubtedly a long treatment, but treatment with Chinese medicine treatment improvements will usually begin quite quickly (within 2-3 weeks), and it is on that basis that patients will have the confidence to pursue it further.
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Birmingham Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine Ltd. Directors: M.R. Ehrenberg BA, PhD, LSSMDip, DipAc, MBAcC, CertAc(Kunming); N. Lampert BA, PhD, DipAc, MBAcC, CertAc(Nanjing) MRCHM; C. Wylde BA, DipAc, MBAcC, CertAc(Nanjing).