TCM help with lung scarring after pneumonia?

Is there anything I can do to help me with what feels like lung scarring?

I had a REALLY bad pneumonia spell a couple of years ago. It was pretty much only in my right lung. To this day I have a problem with it, it hurts at times and after laying down for a while can be very hard to breath when I stand up.

Just to let everyone know who might read this, I also have asthma that already shortens my breath.

Right now for bronchial help and over all body energy help I am taking a product called "Herbal Adjustment" that contains Indian Tobacco, Capsicum, Siberian Ginseng, Black Cohosh, and Blue Vervain diluted in Neutral Grain Spirits and distilled water. I add a half dropper full to a cup of tea. Sometimes 2x a day. This seems to help a lot during the day but during the night it's back to the same thing.

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This sounds like a pretty complex problem, something you really should have an in-person consultation for, be it a Western or Eastern Doctor. For this specific problem, youll find that Chinese medicine does a great job of relieving effects of these sort of problems where Western medicine will probably jsut give you a steriod inhaler.

I will also say this: While I know nothing about asthma and pneumonia treatments, I do know that both are sometimes treated in part with Minor Bupleurum Combination. I wouldnt do anything differently than what you are until you visit a Doctor, but if you see a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, you might inquire about it...

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PlumDragon Herbs: Dit Da Jow and Iron Palm Liniments

"When a handshake passes the elbow, it becomes Judo."

wow - you are like a walking illness.

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May the force be with y'all.

My mother had pneumonia several years ago and developed a condition afterward called pleurisy (not sure about the spelling), which has similar symptoms to what you describe (hurts sometimes, trouble breathing after getting up). Had something to do with the muscles or connecting tissue surrounding the lungs -- not sure. I remember her being very frustrated because the doctors kept saying it was all in her head, until finally a specialist diagnosed it. She supplemented treatment with TCM, acupuncture & herbs, and she has no problems today. But I would have to ask her for specifics.

You should go to a lung specialist to see if that's a possibility or something else, and what treatment or physical therapy is available.

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"Pain can be a great teacher of compassion and humility."~ Unkotare-san

"Whatever the case, it proves that countless disasters can be prevented by simply assuming everyone you're working with is a moron." ~ Adam Brown, 5 Tiny Mistakes...

“	Originally Posted By: Allan_Tsang wow - you are like a walking illness.	”

Haha! Yeah don't get me started!

“	Originally Posted By: Sammygirl My mother had pneumonia several years ago and developed a condition afterward called pleurisy (not sure about the spelling), which has similar symptoms to what you describe (hurts sometimes, trouble breathing after getting up). Had something to do with the muscles or connecting tissue surrounding the lungs -- not sure. I remember her being very frustrated because the doctors kept saying it was all in her head, until finally a specialist diagnosed it. She supplemented treatment with TCM, acupuncture & herbs, and she has no problems today. But I would have to ask her for specifics. You should go to a lung specialist to see if that's a possibility or something else, and what treatment or physical therapy is available.	”

Ouch! OK that sounds bad. I think I will have to do that. I was kind of hoping not to have to do that.

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I also had a severe case of pnemonia (bacterial) in Dec. '07 and when the air is cold or rainy, I have trouble breathing and especially at night when I go to bed. I'm trying aromatherapy which helps some but still having problems breathing when I try to rush. I'd like to find something to heal my lungs. I won't have Medicare until May 1 and have no insurance at present so can't afford to go to doctor again til then. I prefer Eastern Medicine over Western medicine!

What is TCM? I've thought about getting a primatene mist inhaler but don't know if it will help or hinder. When pneumonia was found osteopath also heard heart murmur. I ended up in hospital after EKG was abnormal but cardiologist said I only have a mild stenosis of my mitral valve in my heart but didn't think it is serious (echocardiogram done) Said he would do MRI in May to confirm. Said not serious enough to cause lung problems.

I haven't been sick for 20 years and suddenly, got hit with illnesses. I want to get better. I take Immunextra (www.immunextra) for my immune system to help boost it but need something to heal my lungs. Any advice.

Hi jealsop60, welcome to the DL! (Feel free to post a message in the newcomers forum too, as it will get more views.)

TCM is an abbreviation for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Which includes acupuncture, herbal medicine (compounded into pills or brewed as teas, usually) and lesser-known related disciplines. Like all holistic treatments, TCM treats the whole person (hence the term "holistic") meaning, medicine is just one facet. A good TCM practitioner will treat physical problems not just with needles/acupressure/or what have you, but often will also prescribe a specific diet along with some teas or other herbal therapies, and will even ask about your emotional health. (Or, like my favorite acupuncturist, throw bad puns at you until you break down and beg for mercy -- very cathartic.)

IMO if you combine Western medical treatment with an "alternative" treatment such as TCM (you'd be surprised how many doctors approve or are at least sympathetic to this idea) your recovery may take less time, with less discomfort.

So -- I don't have any specific advice to help with your recovery but I definitely recommend looking into alternative therapies. In some states, acupuncture is covered by most health insurance.

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"Pain can be a great teacher of compassion and humility."~ Unkotare-san

"Whatever the case, it proves that countless disasters can be prevented by simply assuming everyone you're working with is a moron." ~ Adam Brown, 5 Tiny Mistakes...

“	Originally Posted By: jealsop60 I also had a severe case of pnemonia (bacterial) in Dec. '07 and when the air is cold or rainy, I have trouble breathing and especially at night when I go to bed. I'm trying aromatherapy which helps some but still having problems breathing when I try to rush. I'd like to find something to heal my lungs. I won't have Medicare until May 1 and have no insurance at present so can't afford to go to doctor again til then. I prefer Eastern Medicine over Western medicine! What is TCM? I've thought about getting a primatene mist inhaler but don't know if it will help or hinder. When pneumonia was found osteopath also heard heart murmur. I ended up in hospital after EKG was abnormal but cardiologist said I only have a mild stenosis of my mitral valve in my heart but didn't think it is serious (echocardiogram done) Said he would do MRI in May to confirm. Said not serious enough to cause lung problems. I haven't been sick for 20 years and suddenly, got hit with illnesses. I want to get better. I take Immunextra (www.immunextra) for my immune system to help boost it but need something to heal my lungs. Any advice.	”

For obvious reasons, self-medicating is not wise. However, since you cannot afford to go to the doctor again, consider using one of the following two herbal products (based upon your symptoms, of course):

Bronchipret® / TP



For acute and chronic bronchitis, excess mucous obstruction and coughing







Herbal Agents
dry extracts from thyme, ivy leaves and cowslip root.

• sekretolytic
• bronchospasmolytic
• antitussive
• antiphlogistic
• antibacterial
• antiviral

Imupret



For treatment of recurrent infections of the respiratory tract, especially tonsilitis







Herbal Agents
unique combination of chamomille and marshmallow extracts

• promotes healing from within
• effective against inflammation
• strengthens the immune system
• optimizes therapy with antibiotics