Pediatric Bronchopneumonia

Q: My baby has been suffering from bronchopneumonia for a long time. She was hospitalized for eight days and also received traditional Chinese medicine, but her condition has not improved. Recently, she developed a high fever again, which is milder during the day but spikes 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. When the “fire” is present, even a slight breeze can ignite it, causing the fire to burn more fiercely and weakening the body’s resistance in the process.

9. Linglong Bird

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

A: Generally, periods can be two to three days early, and coming four days early is also possible. If there are no other symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. Poor sleep leads to headaches, which are known as tension headaches, and insomnia can make them worse. Traditional Chinese medicine offers effective solutions, so you might consider seeking treatment at an outpatient clinic.

10. Jiang Zhongzheng

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

A: Mild pancreatitis 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 lack of thorough examination.

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 relieves pain. Traditional Chinese medicine uses methods such as dispelling wind and dampness, promoting blood circulation and removing stasis, and strengthening the body to slow down or halt the progression of ankylosing spondylitis, thereby preventing functional impairment and loss of ability to work. 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

When I was pregnant with my first child, I experienced discomfort on the right side of my back whenever I got chilled, especially on cloudy or rainy days. Now that I’m pregnant with my second child, the same thing happens. What causes 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. I have been a carrier of hepatitis B virus for twenty years. Recently, due to abdominal distension, an ultrasound revealed cirrhosis with ascites, measuring 37 mm deep. My spleen is significantly enlarged, with its lower edge close to the level of the umbilicus, and the splenic vein measures 11 mm. My platelet count is extremely low. The hepatitis B virus nucleic acid test result is 2.74E+006 (reference value: 5.00E+002). The treating physician recommends splenectomy, but I am very confused. Could Dr. Pei please suggest a feasible treatment plan?

A: Your current diagnosis is chronic active hepatitis B with decompensated cirrhosis, hypersplenism, and thrombocytopenia. This is not ordinary hypersplenism; it comes with the heavy burden of decompensated cirrhosis. Inexperienced doctors may rashly perform a splenectomy, but this decision carries grave consequences—it can rapidly progress and prove fatal for the patient, while the platelet count still fails to rise, resulting in a lose-lose situation.

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. Second, we should 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 tendency. Some people even compare it to Crohn’s disease. Any condition with an autoimmune component is difficult to manage, hard to cure, and 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, and her condition has already led to 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 has infrequent bowel movements. Are there any medications that can alleviate her suffering?

A: If Western medicine refuses to treat such a condition, you should turn to traditional Chinese medicine. Using methods such as reinforcing the body, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, and activating blood circulation to remove stasis can, to a certain extent, relieve the patient’s pain and extend her survival.

17. 0402

Male, 30 years old. He often has bad breath, with a strong odor. He says his gastrointestinal health was poor when he was young. What medication can treat this?

A: Bad breath is often linked to chronic gastrointestinal disorders. A detailed examination is needed to determine the exact cause, as targeted treatment is required to address the problem. Generalized approaches to treating 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 are constantly evolving. Initially, tetracyclines were effective, then erythromycin-based drugs became popular, but now almost all antibiotics are resistant. Over the years, I have explored various traditional Chinese medicine formulas, including Longdan Xiegan Tang, Sanren Tang, and Huangjing Liucao Tang, with modifications showing some efficacy. 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 is generally healthy. How should this be treated?

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

Licorice root 10g, floating wheat 30g, cicada slough 6g, evodia fruit 6g, jujubes 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

My child is now one year and one month old and has always had dry stools, usually having a bowel movement every three to four days. During the Dragon Boat Festival, the child ate some meat, cherries, and strawberries, which caused diarrhea. After taking Zailin, Mama Ai, and montmorillonite powder, the stool remained loose, and there was also a small amount of leakage when passing gas or urinating. What should I do now?

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

2. Luoluo

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

A: This is due to deficiency of both heart and spleen. I recommend taking Guipi Wan. Also, how is your menstrual cycle? Adjusting that can also improve your sleep.

3. Jianxing Jianyuan

I am 26 years old and have been getting mouth ulcers frequently in recent years. After taking medication, they heal for about ten days, then 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 by applying Bingpeng Powder externally, then proceed with 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, it unfortunately did not survive. Since then, she has consistently had high blood pressure, despite taking many medications, which have failed to bring it down. Her systolic pressure is 150 mmHg, and diastolic pressure is 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 monitoring during pregnancy is essential, and hospitalization may be required when necessary to ensure the safety of the fetus. Most fetuses can be delivered safely.

5. Qinggao Zhiyuan

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

A: Mild cases can be treated with methods such as promoting blood circulation and removing stasis, as well as diuretics and reducing swelling. Severe cases, however, require surgical intervention.

6. Song Xiaobao

Are there any recipes that can increase milk production?

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

7. Cotton Candy

I have already sent you a letter and am now sending a second private message. I know you have researched subacute thyroiditis and developed unique traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods. Please help me. I am 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 saw online that traditional Chinese medicine is more effective for this condition. Could Mr. 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. Now she experiences 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 do not affect the fetus and are effective treatments for colds.

9. Black Rose: My child is 10 years old. After the New Year, the area around the mouth has felt extremely dry—not the lips themselves, and not even after licking with the tongue. Over the past two months, I’ve been using children’s lip balm, but now I can’t do without it; if I don’t apply it for half an hour, it becomes 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? Could you please recommend a hospital and a doctor?

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

11. Lost Heart: The rash appears on the feet—both soles, edges, heels, and sometimes even the ankles—and now it has spread to the hands as well. It looks like small rashes or tiny blisters. The edges of the feet have started peeling and becoming quite hard. Could you please advise on how to treat this?

A: Eczema is very difficult to treat, and most cases recur repeatedly, never fully healing. I recommend starting with black bean distillate ointment applied externally.

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 is seven months pregnant and experiencing pain in the lower back again, pressing on the sciatic nerve, with leg pain as well. She cannot 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 do not 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 a slight delay. His eyes are dry, his mouth tastes slightly bitter, he feels irritable and easily angered, his tongue coating is thick and white, 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 recommend taking 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 is a ring-shaped patch of white scales resembling silver coins. They can only be scraped off with considerable force, and after scraping, the scalp becomes oily and shiny, and the scales grow back quickly—she has to wash her hair frequently. Her hair gets oily fast and itchy, and her scalp itches when exposed to rain or sunlight. She also loses a lot of hair, with scattered hair loss. She has 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 am 37 years old and have three polyps on my vocal cords, 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 be even larger than the polyps themselves—what’s the point? Of course, larger vocal cord polyps do require surgery. I recommend trying traditional Chinese medicine treatment, as there are many effective prescriptions that show significant results through syndrome differentiation.

3. Liu Meishu: I was told during my premarital health checkup that I have thalassemia. What impact will this have on having children in the future?

A: This is a major issue. Thalassemia is a type of hemolytic anemia characterized by congenital deficiencies in clotting factors. Currently, there is no particularly effective treatment. It’s important to adjust your diet, eat more vegetables, keep a positive mindset, and some patients can still have children.

4. Looking Up at Your Sky: I was bitten by mosquitoes and insects, and the bite swelled up, forming blisters that oozed yellow fluid. What should I do?

A: Mosquito 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, my soles have been burning at night. Could Mr. 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, you should first consider hypertension, arteriosclerosis, or coronary heart disease. If you’re a young woman, you should think about low blood pressure, endocrine disorders, or menstrual irregularities.

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6. Lone Angel: I don’t know why this year, but my upper respiratory tract keeps getting repeatedly infected. Every time I see a doctor and take medicine, it gets better for a while, only to start producing thick yellow-green phlegm again, followed by dry throat, coughing, and hoarseness. This has happened four or five times already this year, which is really frustrating. How can I avoid these problems?

Answer: You may have chronic pharyngitis or chronic rhinitis, which makes you more prone to catching colds.

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June 16, 2014

1. Wu: I’m 23 years old, female, and for the past year my period has been over in less than three days, with dark red blood and very little flow. Because I’m busy with work and my sleep schedule is irregular, I’ve spent a lot of money on traditional Chinese medicine to regulate my cycle, but it hasn’t helped much. A few days ago, I went to the hospital and was suspected of having a chocolate cyst. Mr. Pei, what should I do in my situation?

Answer: Chocolate cysts can cause ovarian dysfunction; they develop from endometriosis. Young women must seek treatment promptly, otherwise it could affect their fertility after marriage. You should go to a specialized hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

2. Guo Xu: My grandmother’s condition improved greatly after taking the herbal medicine you prescribed. However, after she stopped the hormone medication following her recent check-up, she started experiencing dizziness and nausea. Should she continue taking the hormone medication, or how should we proceed with treatment?

Answer: These are side effects of stopping the hormone medication. If there are no other discomforts, these symptoms will gradually subside. Treatment should continue; otherwise, the condition may relapse.

3. Rejecting the Mini Skirt: About ten days after giving birth, my wife developed small pimples on her face. I’m not sure what caused them. What can be done to treat them?

Answer: After childbirth, estrogen levels drop relatively, while androgen levels rise, making facial acne more likely. Usually, no treatment is needed; the condition will naturally improve after breastfeeding ends.

4. Qin Qian: I’d like to ask whether medical abortion or surgical abortion is better, and what are the drawbacks of each.

Answer: Surgical abortion is definitely better. Medical abortion is not recommended because it can lead to serious long-term complications, such as premature ovarian failure and early menopause.

5. An: A friend of mine, aged 30, has tuberculosis. Sputum and blood tests didn’t show any TB bacteria, but the doctor diagnosed it as tuberculosis based on the X-ray, along with splenomegaly and low white blood cell count. Despite taking many medications to boost white blood cells, the effect has been poor, so she can’t take anti-tuberculosis drugs normally. She’s been struggling for nearly two months now. Could you please advise on a good solution?

Answer: Don’t rush into anti-tuberculosis treatment. Splenomegaly and low white blood cell count indicate problems with the hematopoietic system. Such patients often have weakened immunity, making them more susceptible to non-specific infections in the upper lobes of both lungs. Inexperienced doctors sometimes mistake these infections for tuberculosis.

6. Ting: My father is 73 years old and has had hypertension for ten years. He suffered a stroke in 2010 and had a stent implanted in his carotid artery in 2011. Half a month ago, his condition worsened due to dizziness and blurred vision, leading to hospitalization. The examination revealed brain atrophy, cerebral atherosclerosis, capillary blockage, and coronary heart disease. I really hope you…

Compilation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Q&A