Prevention and Treatment of the Relapse of Ulcerative Colitis Based on the Theory of Damp-Heat Latent Pathogen

VernacularTitle:从湿热伏邪角度防治溃疡性结肠炎复发
Author: Xinyi DAI ¹ ; Jiaqi ZHANG ¹ ; Meiling SHE ¹ ; Xudong TANG ¹
Author Information

1. Institute of Spleen and Stomach Diseases，Xiyuan Hospital，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences，Beijing，100091
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: ulcerative colitis; damp-heat; latent pathogen; recurrence
From: Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1231-1234
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Aligning with the ulcerative colitis （UC） dynamic characteristics of latent pathogens， that is "remaining latent and concealed， and manifesting when triggered"， and following the latent pathogen theory， it is proposed that the core pathogenesis of UC recurrence is latent damp-heat pathogen concealed internally， progressing from qi to blood level over time， and leading to qi-blood disharmony and intestinal collateral damage. Accordingly， stage-based treatment is recommended. During the active stage， it is suggested to clear damp-heat， move qi， and regulate blood using modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction（葛根芩连汤）. During the remission stage， the treatment should focus on reinforcing healthy qi and venting pathogen， regulate and tonify the spleen and kidney with a self-made Jianpi Qingchang Mixture（健脾清肠合剂）. These approaches may provide a reference for the clinical treatment of UC.