» conventional diagnoses: acute gastritis; food poisoning; dysentery; acute hepatic infection; cholecystitis; cirrhosis of liver.
» etiology: External - generally chronic, with gradual onset, due to long-term over-consumption of greasy foods, alcohol, etc.; acute may be due to exposure to hot humid weather; Internal - usually acute, with sudden onset, due to consumption of contaminated food.
signs and symptoms
» signs and symptoms:
jaundice
nausea
vomiting
abdominal pain
loose stools with offensive odor
loss of appetite
constant low-grade fever
fullness and stiffness in the epigastrium and lower abdomen
sensation of heaviness or distension
bitter taste in mouth
headache
slightly to dark yellow scanty urine
burning sensation in rectum and anus
» therapeutic note: determine whether Heat or Damp predominates: w/Damp, thirst will be lacking or there will be thirst but no desire to drink; w/Heat, thirst is usually for small sips but can be strong.
» pulse: slippery; will be rapid w/ strong Heat aspect, but not necessarily if mostly Damp.
» tongue: thick, yellow, greasy or sticky coating; will be red w/ strong Heat aspect, but not necessarily if mostly Damp.
course and prognosis
» principle of treatment: resolve Damp; disperse Heat; tonify the Spleen
differential diagnosis
footnotes