Case Study of a Cerebral Infarction Patient with Recurring Aspiration Pneumonia Treated with Korean Medicine, Including Shigyungbanha-tang-gami Combined with Antibiotics

Abstract

Objective: This study addressed the case of a cerebral infarction patient with recurring aspiration pneumonia.Methods: A patient diagnosed with cerebral infarction with recurring aspiration pneumonia was treated with Korean medicine therapies, including herbal medication (Shigyungbanha-tang-gami), acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and moxibustion combined with antibiotics for 31 days. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, we checked chest X-rays, lab evaluations, the number of night suctions, and body temperature.Results: After treatment, chest X-rays and inflammation markers improved. In addition, the number of night suctions decreased, and the body temperature was normalized. Aspiration pneumonia recurred. However, the intensity of the symptoms gradually weakened, and the recovery speed increased.Conclusion: These results suggest that Korean medicine therapies, including Shigyungbanha-tang-gami combined with antibiotics, have a beneficial effect on recurring aspiration pneumonia, an additional disease related to cerebral infarction.