Is Traditional Chinese Medicine Effective in Treating 6mm Pulmonary Nodules

6mm pulmonary nodules may have certain efficacy in traditional Chinese medicine treatment, but it needs to be evaluated based on specific circumstances. Pulmonary nodules may be caused by a variety of reasons, including infection, inflammation or tumor. TCM treatment mainly improves the condition by regulating the internal environment of the body, and is applicable to some benign small nodules or postoperative conditioning. However, for nodules with high malignant risk or significant progression, standardized diagnostic and treatment methods of Western medicine still need to be prioritized. TCM treatment of pulmonary nodules usually adopts the principle of syndrome differentiation, combined with herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion and other means, which may play a control role for stable nodules with small diameter. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that pulmonary nodules are often related to pathological factors such as qi stagnation, blood stasis, and phlegm dampness coagulation. Clinically, formulas that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and soften and disperse nodules are commonly used for treatment. For 6mm pulmonary nodules, traditional Chinese medicine may recommend herbal formulas with dispersing effects such as Prunella vulgaris, Fritillaria thunbergii, and Salvia miltiorrhiza. With acupuncture and moxibustion, points such as Feishu and Geshu can be selected to dredge the meridians. After 3-6 months of traditional Chinese medicine treatment, some patients may have small nodules that remain stable or shrink. The advantage of traditional Chinese medicine treatment lies in its minimal side effects, which can improve accompanying symptoms such as cough and chest tightness, while regulating immune function. Suitable for patients who are older, have underlying diseases that prevent surgery, or have poor tolerance to Western medicine.

It should be noted that certain rapidly growing lung nodules may indicate early stages of lung cancer, and simple traditional Chinese medicine treatment may delay the condition. When imaging shows malignant features such as spiculated edges and lobulated nodules, timely puncture biopsy or surgical intervention should be performed. If there are warning signs such as hemoptysis and weight loss, immediate medical attention should be sought. During traditional Chinese medicine treatment, regular CT scans should be conducted to compare changes in nodules, and it is generally recommended to follow up every 3 months. The integrated model of traditional Chinese and Western medicine may be a more reliable choice, which combines Western medicine monitoring with traditional Chinese medicine regulation. It can not only leverage the overall regulatory advantages of traditional Chinese medicine, but also ensure timely treatment of malignant lesions.

When choosing traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of pulmonary nodules, it is necessary to seek medical attention from a reputable traditional Chinese medicine institution and avoid using folk remedies with unknown ingredients. During the treatment period, smoking should be quit and secondhand smoke should be avoided. Attention should be paid to respiratory protection to reduce infection. Maintaining moderate exercise helps with the circulation of qi and blood, and dietary intake of lung moistening ingredients such as lilies and Tremella fuciformis can be appropriate. psychological regulation is equally important, but excessive anxiety is not conducive to the recovery of the condition. It is recommended to use traditional health methods such as Ba Duan Jin and Tai Chi to relieve emotions, while maintaining a regular schedule and good sleep quality.