Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation in post-COVID patients with Respiratory Symptoms in Thailand

Post-COVID-19 has a significant impact on recovered individuals. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a framework for understanding and treatment, but its utility in post-COVID cases remains under investigation. This study aimed to investigate the TCM syndromes in patients experiencing post-COVID with respiratory symptoms and explore alternative clinically practical assessment tools (spirometry and Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS]) for differentiating TCM patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 subjects with post-COVID respiratory symptoms in Thailand. TCM differentiation was diagnosed by three certified TCM practitioners, and spirometry was conducted by a physical therapist who holds a spirometry certification. Both spirometry and FSS were used for evaluation. Lung and Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome (FPQX) was the dominant TCM pattern (72%), followed by Deficiency of Both Qi and Yin Syndrome (QYLX) (28%). Spirometry revealed a statistically significant, but small decrease in lung function (FEV1/FVC) within the FPQX group compared to the QYLX group. However, both groups remained within the normal range. FSS scores did not differ significantly between the groups. This study suggests that FPQX is prevalent in post-COVID patients in Thailand. It also indicates that spirometry might not be sensitive enough to capture the full extent of lung dysfunction in post-COVID respiratory symptoms. While the FSS confirmed the presence of fatigue in both groups, it may not be the best tool for differentiating between specific TCM syndromes. Future research should explore more sensitive biomarkers for TCM diagnosis and consider potential neurological contributions to post-COVID respiratory symptoms.