Discussion on the change of cold-dampness and retained fluid blocking lung with fire deficiency of mingmen (the gate of life) in severe patients with Coronavirus disease 2019

ABSTRACT

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have deepened their understanding of the disease theory with the gradually increasing degree of clinical intervention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Especially, "Dampness Toxin" as the core of TCM pathogenesis has reached consensus. However, the comprehension on the pathogenesis and transmission laws of COVID-19 still need to be quickly improved in order to promote optimization to form a more effective common regimen for diagnosis and treatment of TCM on COVID-19. The author's team based on first-line clinical and academic data verified the cause and proposed that "cold-dampness and retained fluid blocking lung with fire deficiency of Mingmen" be important pathogenesis of severe patients with COVID-19. And the treatment principle should follow "ruling water with fire, and treating tri-jiao simultaneously". The prescription should refer to Shegan Mahuang Decoction, Zhenwu Decoction, Fuzi Lizhong Decoction and other formulas to warm tri- jiao, which aims to consolidate the essence of human body. "Detoxification, dredging six-Fu organs and diuresis" also need to be considered to alleviate the symptoms at the same time. This regimen reflects the consideration of both the symptoms and causes, the combination of cold and warm medicinal herbs, tonification and purgation in combination, flexibility in syndrome differentiation and prescription and careful grasp of the balance of the property of herbs, which can provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment on COVID-19.