How to deal with hemoptysis after thrombolytic therapy

Condition analysis:
Thrombolytic therapy uses drugs called thrombolytic agents, such as alteplase (Activase), anistreplase (Eminase), streptokinase (Streptase, Kabikinase), urokinase (Abbokinase), and tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) to dissolve clots. These drugs are given as injections, and given only under a physician's supervision.

Indications:
Herbal prescriptions for coughing up blood
1. Wind-heat attacking lungs
Coughing up blood-tinged sputum; other symptoms may include fever, slightly chills, wheezing, thirst, sweating and headache. The tongue has a yellow coating and the tongue tip is red, the pulse is floating and rapid. The remedy should aim to dispel wind, clear heat, stop coughing and arrest bleeding.

Sample prescription: Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction plus gardenia fruit, lotus rhizome node and couch grass rhizome

2. Dry-heat attacking lungs
Dry coughing that comes up with a small amount of bright red blood; other symptoms may include dryness of the nasal passages, feverish sensation, thirst, itchy throat, constipation, scanty urine and a burning sensation during urination. The tongue is red and covered by thin yellow coating, the pulse is floating and rapid. The remedy should aim to promote moisture in the lungs, stop coughing and arrest bleeding.

Sample prescription: Mulberry and Apricot Decoction plus rehmannia root, lotus rhizome node and couch grass rhizome

3. Liver fire attacking lungs
Frequent bout of coughing up blood-tinged sputum or fresh blood; other symptoms may include chest pain, discomfort in the rib sides, irritability, bloodshot eyes, a flushed face, mouth dryness, a bitter sensation in the mouth, yellow urine and constipation. The tongue is red and covered by yellow coating, the pulse is taut and rapid. The remedy should aim to soothe liver, clear lung heat, cool blood and stop bleeding.

Sample prescription: Purging Lung Powder combined with Indigo and Clam Shell Powder plus Indian madder root, Chinese gentian root and couch grass rhizome.