Discussion about the prevention of Coronavirus disease 19 based on the thought of treating non-disease and the theory of constitution of traditional Chinese medicine

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize and analyze the susceptible constitution of coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19), put forward the diet prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for prevention based on the thought of treating non-disease and the theory of constitution, and to provide reference for COVID-19's prevention. Methods The relevant literatures in the past 5 years were reviewed, and the current situation of COVID-19's clinical manifestations, etiology, pathogenesis, disease location, disease transmission, susceptible physique, physique differentiation and prevention were summarized. Results The symptoms of COVID-19 were similar in the initial stage of infection, which was caused by damp pathogen. People with different physique were different in susceptibility to COVID-19 and the development and outcome of syndrome type after infection. The susceptible constitution was phlegm-dampness, dampness-heat, Qi deficiency and yang deficiency, blood stasis and Qi depression. Invigorating vital Qi, dispelling dampness, and nourishing lung are the basic treatment principles. Combined with physical differences and dialectical prevention, tonifying, invigorating spleen and stomach, and aromatic dampness-transforming drugs are major drugs, which are supplemented by drugs for promoting lung-Qi. Conclusion The formulation of preventive prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine according to different physique can provide some guidance for the clinical prevention of COVID-19.