Lung Abscess: Disease Description and Treatment
Disease Description
Lung abscess is a purulent lesion of lung tissue caused by various pathogens. Initially presenting as suppurative pneumonia, it subsequently forms an abscess. This condition has an abrupt onset, primarily manifesting as high fever, cough, and expectoration of large amounts of foul-smelling pus. Body temperature can reach 39°C–40°C, often accompanied by sweating, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, mental fatigue, general weakness, and reduced appetite. Occasionally, blood may appear in the sputum or moderate hemoptysis may occur. About one week later, the abscess spontaneously ruptures, resulting in a sudden increase in sputum volume—often 300–500 mL per day—characterized by purulent, malodorous sputum. Additionally, some patients may develop pleuritis, varying degrees of bronchiectasis, pyopneumothorax, or brain abscess. Modern medicine attributes the etiology to bacteria, protozoa, or impaired immune function. TCM holds that this condition mostly results from external invasion of wind-heat or toxic heat from sores affecting the blood and qi, which then internally invades the lungs, causing heat stagnation and blood stasis, leading to obstruction and formation of an abscess. This condition belongs to the category of "lung carbuncle" in TCM.
1. Qingre Jiedu Decoction
Formula: Decocted and taken orally, 1 dose per day.
Preparation: Half-side lotus, cicada slough, chrysanthemum each 6g, licorice root, schizonepeta each 3g, mulberry leaf, white burdock seed, cowherb seed, honeysuckle vine, bitter herb, purple flowered ground orchid, red peony root, dandelion, kochia fruit, female reed each 10g
2. Lung Carbuncle Formula
Formula: Add 1250 mL of clean water or yellow wine, seal and steam for 3 hours, yielding 1000 mL of clear liquid. Store with preservative. Available in both water and wine preparations.
Preparation: Golden wheat rootstock 250g <Lung Abscess Disease>