Author:
Shin Jeong-Won,Park Jiwon,Chin Su-Hyun,Jung Hee-Jae,Kim Kwan-Il,Lee Beom-Joon
Abstract
Background: Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition leading to recurrent respiratory infections. Despite the use of antibiotics and other standard treatments, managing bronchiectasis remains challenging due to the frequent recurrence of airway infections and concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Given these challenges, traditional Korean medicine (TKM) has gained attention due to its potential to reduce the frequency of respiratory infections, possibly minimizing the need for antibiotics.Case report: A 59-year-old female with bronchiectasis experienced recurrent pneumonia and was treated with antibiotics for over 2 weeks without any significant improvement in clinical symptoms. She received comprehensive Korean medicine treatment, including herbal medicine (Sikyungbanha-tang combined with Bigwabojungikki-tang-gami), acupuncture, and Chuna manual therapy, for pulmonary rehabilitation. Post-treatment, clinically meaningful improvements were observed in symptoms, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and bronchopneumonic lesions on chest X-rays.Conclusion: This case suggests that complex traditional Korean medicine treatments for recurrent chronic airway inflammation due to bronchiectasis can lead to clinically significant improvements in symptoms and help to prevent recurrence.
Funder
Korea Health Industry Development Institute
Publisher
The Society of Internal Korean Medicine