[Umbilical moxibustion for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis complicated with gastroesophageal reflux of lung-spleen qi deficiency].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of umbilical moxibustion in the treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary interstitial fibrosis complicated with gastroesophageal reflux of lung-spleen qi deficiency.

METHODS

A total of 116 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis complicated with gastroesophageal reflux of lung spleen-deficiency were randomized into an observation group (58 cases) and a control group (58 cases). In the control group, the routine treatment was applied; in the observation group, on the base of the treatment as the control group, the umbilical moxibustion was used. The treatment was given 2 times a week, 2 h each time for 12 weeks, and followed up for 12 weeks after treatment. The composite physiological indicators (CPI), TCM syndrome scores, the St. George respiratory questionnaire score (SGRQ) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were compared before and after treatment in the two groups.

RESULTS

The improvement of the TCM syndrome scores (cough, post-activity shortness of breath, fatigue, heartburn, acid reflux), CPI score and 6MWT in the observation group was better than those in the control group (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores of SGRQ scale between the two groups after treatment (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores of CPI scores and syndromes (cough and fatigue) between the two groups at 12 weeks after treatment (all P>0.05). The 6MWT, SGRQ scale scores and syndrome scores (post-activity shortness of breath, acid reflux, heartburn) were better than those in the control group in the follow up (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Umbilical moxibustion can improve the ventilation and diffusion function of lung in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux of lung-spleen qi deficiency, reduce clinical symptoms and improve patients' quality of life and activity endurance. And it has long-term effect.