Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation for Ulcerative Colitis

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ulcerative colitis is commonly categorized under the term "dysentery." The condition can be differentiated into several syndrome types based on symptoms and bodily patterns:

1. Damp-Heat Dysentery

This type typically presents with abdominal pain, mucus-filled stools, urgent bowel movements, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, and a burning feeling around the anus. Patients often experience discomfort shortly after eating.

2. Epidemic Toxin Dysentery

A rare but severe form of dysentery, it is often infectious in nature. Symptoms may include high fever, confusion, and passage of bright red blood in the stool. This pattern requires immediate medical attention due to its acute presentation.

3. Cold-Damp Dysentery

Characterized by stools containing more pus than blood, this syndrome is associated with internal dampness combined with cold pathogenic factors. Digestive function tends to be weak, leading to sluggish bowel habits.

4. Yin Deficiency Dysentery

Individuals with a yin deficiency constitution may develop dysentery symptoms alongside signs such as dry mouth, irritability, a red tongue with little coating, and general restlessness. This reflects an internal heat due to fluid deficiency.

5. Deficiency-Cold Dysentery

This pattern combines typical dysentery symptoms with signs of internal cold, including intolerance to cold temperatures, preference for warmth, and fatigue. It suggests a weakened state of the body's core energy.

6. Intermittent or Relapsing Dysentery

As the name implies, this type involves recurring episodes of dysentery that alternate with periods of improvement or remission. It indicates a chronic imbalance where the body is unable to fully resolve the condition.