Pediatric Bronchopneumonia

Q: My baby has been suffering from bronchopneumonia for a long time. She was hospitalized for eight days and received traditional Chinese medicine treatment, but her condition has not improved. Recently, she developed a high fever again, which is slightly milder during the day but becomes severe at night. What should I do in this situation? The hospital says she has weak spleen and stomach function and poor digestion.

A: I’ve mentioned this issue many times: most children with this condition also suffer from allergic rhinitis or chronic pharyngitis. Once the “fire” is present, any breeze will fan the flames, weakening the immune system and intensifying the inflammation.

9. Linglong Bird

Female, 22 years old. This month, my period came four days early, and there are no other unusual symptoms. Additionally, I get headaches when I don’t get enough sleep. What could be causing these issues?

A: Generally, periods can come two to three days early, and a four-day advance is also possible. If there are no other symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. Headaches caused by poor sleep are known as tension headaches, and insomnia can exacerbate them. Traditional Chinese medicine offers effective solutions, so you might consider seeking outpatient treatment.

10. Jiang Zhongzheng

I’ve undergone gastroscopy three times, and the diagnosis is chronic gastritis with duodenal bulb inflammation. My liver and gallbladder are normal, but what about the pancreatitis you mentioned? How should I check for it?

A: Mild pancreatic inflammation is often invisible on ultrasound, and its manifestations on CT and MRI are also subtle. Cholecystitis, on the other hand, can be detected by ultrasound, but many hospitals still miss cases due to busy schedules and insufficient attention during examinations.

11. Liangjian Yanzǐ

My family member, a 26-year-old male, has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. What are some good traditional Chinese medicine treatment options? He has been taking sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets for six months.

A: The medication he’s taking only provides pain relief. Traditional Chinese medicine, on the other hand, uses methods such as dispelling wind and dampness, promoting blood circulation and removing stasis, and reinforcing vital energy to slow down or halt the progression of ankylosing spondylitis, thereby preventing functional impairment and loss of working capacity. However, the treatment course is very long, requiring continuous medication for years. Patients who lack patience or rush for quick results will not achieve these benefits.

12. Xuefei Yanwu

During my first pregnancy, I experienced discomfort on the right side of my back whenever I got chilled, especially on cloudy or rainy days. Now, during my second pregnancy, the same thing happens. What could be causing this, and does it require treatment?

A: Pain on the right side of the back is often related to the gallbladder. Tenderness and pain in this area can serve as diagnostic indicators of gallbladder inflammation.

13. Qianran

I am a female liver disease patient, 36 years old, and have been carrying the hepatitis B virus for twenty years. Recently, due to abdominal distension, an ultrasound revealed cirrhosis with ascites, measuring 37 mm deep, along with splenomegaly—the lower edge of the spleen is close to the level of the umbilicus—and a splenic vein diameter of 11 mm, accompanied by severely low platelet counts. The hepatitis B viral load test showed 2.74E+006 (reference value: 5.00E+002). The treating physician now recommends splenectomy, which leaves me very confused. Could Dr. Pei please suggest a feasible treatment plan?

A: Your current diagnosis is likely chronic active hepatitis B with decompensated cirrhosis, hypersplenism, and thrombocytopenia. This is not ordinary hypersplenism; it’s compounded by decompensated cirrhosis, a condition that is unforgiving and can rapidly progress, leading to fatal outcomes. Even if platelet counts rise, it’s still a losing battle.

14. Mani

In the gynecological examination form for middle-aged women, it is noted that the uterus is six weeks pregnant (but actually not pregnant). Does this mean the uterus is enlarged? Does it require treatment?

A: That’s problematic. First, we need to rule out endometrial cancer, and then check HCG levels to exclude hydatidiform mole, malignant hydatidiform mole, and choriocarcinoma.

15. Yage

Is ulcerative colitis really prone to recurrence? And how often does it typically recur?

A: Unlike dysentery or salmonella infections, which are specific types of colitis, ulcerative colitis has a clear autoimmune component. Some researchers even compare it to Crohn’s disease. Any condition with an autoimmune tendency is difficult to manage, hard to cure, and highly prone to recurrence.

16. Ai’ai

My aunt is 50 years old and was recently diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. The hospital has basically refused to provide treatment, resulting in intestinal obstruction, abdominal distension, ascites, and a swollen abdomen that looks like she’s several months pregnant. Now she can’t lie flat due to severe pain and can only lie on her side, turning over is extremely difficult. She eats very little and rarely goes to the bathroom. Are there any medications that can alleviate her suffering?

A: When Western medicine refuses to treat such a condition, you should turn to traditional Chinese medicine. Using methods that reinforce vital energy, promote diuresis and reduce swelling, and invigorate blood circulation and remove stasis can, to a certain extent, ease the patient’s pain and prolong survival.

17. 0402

Male, 30 years old. He often has bad breath, with a strong odor, reportedly due to poor gastrointestinal health in childhood. What medication can treat this?

A: Bad breath is often linked to chronic gastrointestinal disorders. A thorough examination is needed to identify the specific condition, as targeted treatment is required to address the root cause. Generalized treatments for bad breath often yield poor results.

18. Ling Jueding

What is the best way to treat non-gonococcal urethritis?

A: Non-gonococcal urethritis falls under the category of sexually transmitted diseases, as its only mode of transmission is sexual contact. The causative agents are mycoplasma or chlamydia, which exhibit strong antibiotic resistance and continually evolve. Initially, tetracyclines were effective, followed by macrolides, but now almost all antibiotics are resistant. Over the years, I’ve explored traditional Chinese medicine approaches, such as Longdan Xiegan Tang, Sanren Tang, and Huangjing Liucao Tang, with varying degrees of effectiveness when adjusted appropriately. Combining these with azithromycin can further enhance the therapeutic effect.

19. Liu Xiaohong

The girl is nearly three years old and often talks in her sleep at night, sleeps restlessly, and rolls around in bed. Otherwise, she’s generally healthy. How should this be treated?

A: This isn’t really a disease. Here’s a simple prescription for you:

Licorice 10g, floating wheat 30g, cicada slough 6g, evodia fruit 6g, jujube 4 pieces

First decoction: 150ml, second decoction: 150ml, total 300ml. Take 80ml each time, twice daily.

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June 12, 2014

1. Yue Chun

The child is now one year and one month old and has consistently had dry stools, usually defecating every three to four days. During the Dragon Boat Festival, the child ate some meat, cherries, and strawberries, which led to diarrhea. After taking Lailin, Mama Ai, and montmorillonite powder, the stool remained loose, and there was occasional leakage during passing gas or urination. What should be done now?

A: I recommend trying Shenling Baizhu San, Baohe Wan, Fuzi Lizhong Wan, and Qiwei Baizhu San.

2. Luoluo

I’m 38 years old, female, and often wake up around 3 a.m., unable to fall back asleep until around 5 a.m., feeling exhausted throughout the day. This has been going on for a year. What should I do?

A: This indicates heart-spleen deficiency. I suggest trying Guipi Wan. Also, how are your menstrual cycles? They need to be regulated as well, which will benefit your sleep.

3. Jianxing Jianyuan

I’m 26 years old and have been getting mouth ulcers frequently in recent years. After taking medication, they usually heal within about ten days, only to recur again. What’s going on? Is there any way to eradicate them completely?

A: Current medical research shows that recurrent oral ulcers are closely related to the body’s immune function, so a comprehensive examination is necessary. If no other organic lesions are found, start with external application of Bingpeng San, followed by traditional Chinese medicine treatment based on syndrome differentiation.

4. Yu Zhixun

My younger sister developed hypertension during pregnancy, and although the baby was seven months old, she ultimately lost the pregnancy. Since then, she has continuously suffered from high blood pressure, despite taking many medications without success. Her systolic pressure remains at 150 mmHg, and diastolic pressure at 90 mmHg. Grandpa Pei, could you please advise on what to do? Can someone in her situation still have children?

A: This is gestational hypertension. Hypertension can be managed according to standard protocols, and pregnancy is still possible. Regular prenatal check-ups are essential, and hospitalization may be required when necessary to ensure fetal safety. Most fetuses can be delivered safely.

5. Qinggao Zhiyuan

Can traditional Chinese medicine cure varicocele? And approximately how long does treatment take?

A: Mild cases can be treated with methods that promote blood circulation and remove stasis, as well as diuretics to reduce swelling. Severe cases, however, require surgical intervention.

6. Song Xiaobao

Are there any recipes to increase milk production?

A: There are many recipes for increasing milk production, but none are reliable. Moutong, Wangbuliu Xing, and raw malt can all help increase lactation, but they must be taken together with pig trotter soup.

7. Cotton Candy

I’ve already sent you a letter and am now sending a second private message. I know you’ve researched subacute thyroiditis and have unique traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods. Please help me. I’m a listener from Kunming, Yunnan Province, female, 46 years old. Unfortunately, I was just diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis and am very anxious. I haven’t started treatment yet because I’ve read online that traditional Chinese medicine works better for this condition. Could Old Master Pei please give me a prescription?

A: Subacute thyroiditis is indeed a strength of traditional Chinese medicine. Seventy percent of patients develop hyperthyroidism, while thirty percent...

June 13, 2014

Patients with hypothyroidism, or those experiencing alternating or fluctuating symptoms, often find themselves at a loss when it comes to treatment using Western medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine, on the other hand, employs methods to regulate qi and blood, as well as yin and yang, achieving bidirectional regulation. Of course, adding a small dose of prednisone or similar medications can also be beneficial.

8. Wenwen: Female, 30 years old, first-time pregnant, two months along. After eating fried potatoes and grilled chicken wings, she caught a cold, experiencing dizziness, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, but no fever. What can she eat that won’t affect the fetus?

A: Generally, traditional Chinese medicines such as Sangju Yin and Yinqiao San won’t affect the fetus and are effective for treating colds.

9. Black Rose: The child is 10 years old and has felt extreme dryness around the mouth since after the New Year. It’s not the lips, and she hasn’t licked them with her tongue. Over the past two months, she’s been using children’s lip balm, but now she can’t go without it—she needs to apply it every half hour, or her lips will become dry and cracked. What medication or ointment would be appropriate?

A: This is still an allergic inflammatory reaction, and fluocinolone acetonide ointment is effective.

10. Benben Donggua: Is there any treatment for pelvic tuberculosis in Lanzhou? Please recommend a hospital and a doctor.

A: Treatment is available, and combination anti-tuberculosis drugs are very effective, but it requires two to three courses of treatment (each course lasting six months). My developed Shengyu Dan can replace anti-tuberculosis drugs and doesn’t require such a long duration. If necessary, you can visit my clinic.

11. Lost Heart: The rash appears on the feet—both soles, edges, heels, and sometimes the ankles—and now it’s even showing up on the hands, looking like small bumps or tiny blisters. It seems to be related to medication, as the edges of the feet have peeled off and become quite hard. Could you please advise on how to treat it?

A: Eczema is very difficult to treat, and most cases recur repeatedly, never fully healing. I suggest starting with external application of black bean distillate ointment.

12. Li Feng: Female, 25 years old. In November 2011, she suffered a compression fracture of the lumbar spine, which healed after treatment. Now she’s seven months pregnant and experiencing pain again in the lower back, compressing the sciatic nerve and causing leg pain. She can’t sit or stand for long periods. What should she do?

A: Patients like this must endure some pain to protect the fetus. If you want to reduce the pain, go to a specialized hospital for treatment, because most painkillers have adverse effects on the fetus, and I don’t recommend frequent use of painkillers.

13. Heart Follows Me: Male, 38 years old, 1.7 meters tall, weighing 67 kg. Ten years ago, he began experiencing lower-body dampness and premature ejaculation. Two years ago, his hair started turning white on both sides, and now his urine is yellow with slight urgency. His eyes are dry, his mouth tastes slightly bitter, he feels irritable and easily angered, with thick white coating on his tongue, and he sweats profusely during sleep, sometimes even on his palms. He also has cervical spondylosis and allergic rhinitis. His sleep and appetite are normal. Could this be kidney disease?

A: According to traditional Chinese medicine, you have liver-kidney yin deficiency combined with spleen-kidney yang deficiency. I suggest trying Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, Zhibai Di Huang Wan, and Mai Wei Di Huang Wan.

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June 13, 2014

1. Tingyu: Female, 21 years old. On the right side of her forehead, near the hairline, there’s a ring-shaped patch of white scales, like silver coins, that requires considerable force to scrape off. After scraping, the scalp becomes oily and shiny, and the scales grow back quickly—within two days, she has to wash her hair again. Her hair gets oily fast, itchy easily, and the scalp becomes itchy when exposed to rain or sunlight. She also experiences significant hair loss, with scattered patches of shedding. She’s tried many shampoos, but none have worked. Do you have any prescriptions?

A: This is tinea capitis. I recommend taking sporanox orally or applying terbinafine cream topically.

2. Min Wei: I’m 37 years old and have three vocal cord polyps, causing hoarseness. I’ve had this problem for three years and have undergone surgery, but it hasn’t helped much. Could you please advise on any good methods? I smoke and occasionally drink alcohol.

A: Vocal cord polyps, if small, often don’t respond well to surgery. The surgical scars can even be larger than the polyps themselves—what’s the point? Of course, larger vocal cord polyps do require surgery. I suggest trying traditional Chinese medicine treatment, which offers many effective prescriptions. With syndrome differentiation, the results can be quite remarkable.

3. Liu Meishu: I was told during my premarital physical exam that I have thalassemia. How will this affect my future pregnancies?

A: This is a major issue. Thalassemia is a type of hemolytic anemia characterized by congenital deficiencies in clotting factors. Currently, there’s no particularly effective treatment. However, by adjusting your diet—eating more vegetables and maintaining a positive mindset—you can still have children, though the risk may be higher.

4. Looking Up at Your Sky: I’ve been bitten by mosquitoes and insects, and the bites have swollen into blisters that ooze yellow fluid. What should I do?

A: Mosquito and insect bites themselves aren’t the real problem; the main harm comes from allergies. I recommend taking chlorphenamine maleate or cyproheptadine orally.

5. Hua Jinli: Since last year, I’ve been experiencing burning sensations in the soles of my feet at night. Could Old Master Pei please explain the cause? Also, sometimes I feel a sense of urgency and pain in my heart. Could you please tell me what’s causing these symptoms?

A: You didn’t mention your age. If you’re middle-aged or older, first consider hypertension, arteriosclerosis, or coronary heart disease. If you’re a young woman, think about hypotension, endocrine disorders, or menstrual irregularities.

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Q: My period started on April 28 and ended on May 3. On May 12, I underwent a whole-body CT scan excluding the head. On May 21, I was prescribed medication for urinary stones: one tablet each of promethazine hydrochloride, atropine sulfate, and levofloxacin hydrochloride, which I took twice in total. Starting on the 31st, I began taking famciclovir dispersible tablets (one tablet per day), cefaclor dispersible tablets (two tablets per day), and prednisone acetate tablets (one tablet per day) until June 4. During this time, I also took 18 tablets of medroxyprogesterone acetate. This morning, I discovered that I am pregnant. Is it safe to continue the pregnancy? Can anything be done to remedy the situation?

A: Within the first month of pregnancy, the impact is relatively minor. The human body has a complete placental barrier, which prevents most drugs from reaching the fetus. Taking medication for only a few days should not cause major problems; however, prolonged use may pose risks. There's no need to worry.

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June 11, 2014