Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Patterns Distribution and Medication Characteristics in COVID-19 Patients Complicated with Chronic Bronchitis:A Retrospective Study
10.13359/j.cnki.gzxbtcm.2025.07.001
- VernacularTitle:新型冠状病毒感染合并慢性支气管炎中医证型分布及用药规律的病例回顾研究
- Author:
Man LI
1
;
Linsheng ZENG
;
Zhizhun MO
;
Yuxiang LIU
Author Information
1. 广州中医药大学,广东 广州 510006
- Keywords:
COVID-19;
chronic bronchitis;
distribution of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome patterns;
phlegm-turbidity obstructing the lung syndrome;
phlegm-heat stagnating the lung syndrome;
medication rules;
diffusing the lung to alleviate adverse flow of qi
- From:
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;42(7):1553-1560
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome patterns and medication characteristics in corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients complicated with chronic bronchitis at the initial phase of the termination of pandemic control policy in Shenzhen,and to provide evidence for TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment of these patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 76 COVID-19 patients complicated with chronic bronchitis who visited the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine or the Emergency Internal Medicine Clinic at Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between December 15,2022 and February 28,2023,an initial phase of the termination of pandemic control policy in Shenzhen.Data of demographics,TCM syndrome patterns,and herbal prescriptions were collected.TCM syndrome distribution and medication patterns of the COVID-19 patients complicated with chronic bronchitis were summarized to enhance understanding of post-COVID sequelae,post-COVID syndrome,long COVID,post-infectious cough,and chronic cough,and to provide references for TCM management of acute/chronic post-COVID cough,long COVID syndrome,and emerging respiratory infectious diseases.Results A total of 76 medical records with full information were included,covering 63 herbal formulas and 140 herbal medicinals were analyzed.The most common TCM syndrome pattern was phlegm-turbidity obstructing the lung syndrome,followed by phlegm-heat stagnating the lung syndrome and lung qi deficiency syndrome.The properties of the herbs used were predominantly warm,cold,or mild;their flavors were bitter,pungent,or sweet;and their meridian tropisms primarily involved the lung,spleen,stomach,and liver.Twenty-five medicinals used exceeding 15 times in the formulas were identified,including Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(Gancao),Ephedrae Herba(Mahuang),Coicis Semen(Yiyiren),and Poira(Fuling).Association rule analysis revealed the frequent herbal pairs of Gancao-Mahuang,Belamcandae Rhizoma(Shegan)-Mahuang,Gancao-Fuling,Fuling-Yiyiren,etc.Cluster analysis categorized high-frequency herbs into four distinct groups.Conclusion The retrospective analysis highlights the complexity of clinical manifestations in COVID-19 patients complicated with chronic bronchitis at the initial phase of the termination of pandemic control policy in Shenzhen.The pathogenic factors of the patients predominantly involve phlegm-turbidity and phlegm-heat.Therapeutic principles for the patients focus on diffusing the lung to alleviate adverse flow of qi,resolving phlegm and removing dampness,and clearing and draining damp-heat.Commonly prescribed formulas include San'ao Decoction,Yuebi Plus Banxia Decoction,Xiaoqinglong Decoction,Shegan Mahuang Decoction,and Suhuang Zhike Decoction,and the formulas are used by modification according to the symptoms.
