1.Differentiation and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Based on the Theory of Sores and Ulcers
Qiongqiong LIU ; Ran PANG ; Yueying CHEN ; Junfeng TANG ; Fengqin CAO ; Diyuan MA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(16):1712-1716
It is believed that the endoscopic manifestations of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) such as extensive bleeding and Hunner's ulcers as well as its recurrent and prolonged condition are in line with the characteristics of sores and ulcers in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the treatment can be referred to TCM theory of sores and ulcers. The mechanism of IC/BPS is characterized by root deficiency and branch excess. The root cause is deficiency of the spleen and kidney qi, while the manifesting factors are dampness-heat and blood stasis. The treatment is based on the principles of promoting and supplementing, combining with resolving therapy, so that the symptoms could be relieved by promoting blood circulation and clearing heat, unblocking the collaterals and relieve pain. In clinical practice, modified Neituo Shengji Powder (内托生肌散) was commonly used to boost qi and invigorate blood, expel swollen sore and express toxin; combining with Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) or Suoquan Pill (缩泉丸) based on specific symptoms to strengthen the spleen and kidneys, thereby reinforcing healthy qi; according to concurrent symptoms like blood stasis, dampness heat, prescription with Sanleng (Cyperus rotundus), Ezhu (Curcuma aromatica Salisb) to invigorate blood and dissolve stasis, or Yiyiren (Coix lacryma-jobi), Zexie (Alisma plantago-aquatica) to clear heat and drain dampness.