Patient's question:
Recently, my appetite has been poor, and I've also noticed some swelling in my body. I feel completely exhausted. When I went to the hospital for a check-up, they said it was kidney disease. Is it appropriate to take Liu Wei Di Huang Wan for kidney deficiency?Doctor's answer:
Kidney deficiency actually needs to be differentiated between yang deficiency and yin deficiency. Generally, symptoms like soreness in the waist and knees, neurasthenia, and cold intolerance are common. If, on this basis, additional symptoms such as aversion to cold, coldness in the limbs, and fear of coldness appear, it is usually considered kidney yang deficiency, and medications like Wuzi Yanzong Wan are typically used. If, based on the common symptoms, there are additional signs like dry mouth, excessive thirst, and involuntary ejaculation, it is generally referred to as kidney yin deficiency, and treatments often involve yin-reinforcing medications such as Liuwei Dihuang Wan or Zhibai Dihuang Wan. Of course, your current condition should be considered as kidney deficiency, but medication should be further determined through syndrome differentiation and treatment. It is recommended to consult a Chinese medicine physician at a clinic for a proper examination. Additionally, it is important to correct unhealthy lifestyle habits for better outcomes.