🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Obstructive emphysema refers to the pathological state of distention of the distal parts of terminal bronchioles (including respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli), accompanied by destruction of alveolar walls. It is induced by factors such as atmospheric pollution, smoking, and chronic lung infections, progressing from chronic bronchitis. Conditions like bronchial asthma and pulmonary fibrosis may also gradually evolve into this disease. This condition falls under the TCM category of "asthma" — specifically "deficiency asthma."
[Clinical Manifestations]
1. Long-standing history of cough and sputum production, symptoms often worsening in winter. Gradually develops shortness of breath, dyspnea, and chest tightness, exacerbated by exertion.
2. When complicated by acute respiratory infection, cough, sputum, and dyspnea rapidly worsen, potentially leading to respiratory distress, cyanosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
3. In later stages, respiratory failure and right heart failure may occur.
[Diagnosis]
1. Middle-aged or elderly individuals over 40 with chronic cough and wheezing history, accompanied by progressively worsening signs such as shortness of breath, respiratory difficulty, and cyanosis.
2. Barrel-shaped chest, hyperresonance on percussion, downward displacement of liver dullness border, diminished breath sounds and voice, prolonged expiration, possible dry and wet rales bilaterally. Cardiac dullness border reduced, heart sounds dull and distant.
3. X-ray findings: Increased transparency in both lungs, fine, straight, sparse vascular markings in the outer lung fields. Vertical, narrow heart shadow, flattened diaphragmatic dome.
4. Pulmonary function tests: Residual volume/total lung capacity >35%. First-second forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity <60%, or maximum voluntary ventilation <80% of predicted value. Uneven gas distribution, alveolar gas concentration >2.5%.
5. This condition must be differentiated from diffuse pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, chronic cor pulmonale, and other diseases.
[Treatment]
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment
(1) Deficiency of Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi and Yin: Shortness of breath, exacerbated by exertion, breathlessness, cough, little sticky phlegm, dry mouth, heat in palms and soles, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, pale red tongue with little coating, fine rapid weak pulse.
Treatment Principle: Tonify lung, strengthen spleen, nourish kidney, tonify qi, nourish yin.
Formula: Prince’s Ginseng 15g, Ophiopogon 30g, Schisandra Berry 10g, Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared) 15g, Cornus officinalis 15g, Yam 15g, Moutan Bark 10g, Poria 30g, Alisma 10g, Lily 30g, Astragalus membranaceus 30g, Salvia miltiorrhiza 30g, Fritillaria powder 6g (taken orally).
Patent Medicine: Mai Wei Di Huang Wan, Sheng Mai Oral Liquid.
(2) Deficiency of Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Yang: Long-standing shortness of breath, long inhalation and short exhalation, worsened by exertion, clear and thin sputum, cold aversion, fatigue, soreness in waist and knees, facial and limb edema, bluish-gray lips, pale tongue with white coating, deep fine weak pulse.
Treatment Principle: Tonify lung, strengthen spleen, warm kidney, anchor qi, relieve asthma.
Formula: Ginseng 10g, Atractylodes 10g, Astragalus membranaceus 30g, Poria 15g, Prepared Aconite Root 6g, Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared) 15g, Cornus officinalis 15g, Yam 15g, Moutan Bark 10g, Poria 15g, Alisma 10g, Epimedium 10g, Donkey Hide Gelatin 10g, Salvia miltiorrhiza 30g, Ophiopogon 30g, Fritillaria powder 6g (taken orally).
Patent Medicine: Bai Ling Capsule, Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan.
(3) Acute Infection Phase: Treat according to chronic bronchitis differentiation.
(4) Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas and Acupuncture Treatment
① American Ginseng 50g, Gecko 2 pairs, Cordyceps 30g, Saffron 10g, Fritillaria 50g, ground into powder and encapsulated. Take 3–4 capsules each time, 3 times daily. For long-term prevention.
② Moxibustion: Select Lung Yu, Ge Shu, Spleen Yu, Kidney Yu. Use ginger-separated moxibustion, 3–5 moxa cones per point, once daily.
[Prevention and Self-Care]
1. Engage in physical exercise and respiratory training.
2. Avoid colds and emotional stimuli.
3. Avoid smoking, alcohol, rich fatty foods, and exposure to irritant gases.
4. Cook red dates, yam, lily, walnut kernels into porridge for consumption.