Table 3 TCM syndrome scores for spleen Qi deficiency
Symptom | Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Mild = 2 | Moderate = 4 | Severe = 6 | |
Reduced food intake | No appetite, but maintain the original intake | Intake volume reduced by 1/3 compared before the onset of symptoms | Intake volume reduced by 2/3 compared before the onset of symptoms |
Fatigue | Slightly tired and inactive but able to perform basic daily activities | Obvious sign of burnout, barely performing daily activities | Systemic weakness of the limbs, unable to perform daily activities |
Bloating after meal | Slight abdominal distension, which can disappear within half an hour; is not severe; and does not require medications | Slight abdominal distension, which can disappear within mild; is not severe; and does not require medications | Abdominal distension cannot be improved within 2 h, affecting life, or taking ineffective medicines |
Abnormal stool | Soft stools or slightly watery stools, piles are not formed, frequency of bowel movements: 2–3 times/day | Watery stools, loose stools, frequency of bowel movements: 4–5 times/day or 1–2 times/day | Loose stools, more than 3 times/day |
Reduced talkativeness/responsiveness | Low energy, not interested to talk or respond | Mental fatigue, sleepy, not interested to engage in conversation | Extremely fatigued, idle |
Absence of taste/ thirst | Occasional tasteless | Sometimes tasteless, reduced water intake | Persistent absence of taste, not thirsty all day long |
Abdominal discomfort | Occasional or faint abdominal pain | Abdominal pain often occurs, lasting no more than 2 h | Abdominal pain is more obvious, lasting more than 2 h, or persistent |
Nausea and vomiting | Occasionally nausea | Sometimes nausea, occasionally vomiting | Frequent nausea and vomiting |
Excessive bowel gas | Occasional | Often | Hyperactive |
Yellowish complexion | Yellowish complexion and reduced luster | Yellowish complexion and much reduced luster | Yellowish complexion and dull |
Edema | Mild edema of the face or lower limbs | Edema of the face and limbs | Obvious body edema |
Difficulty in Defecation | Straining to defecate | Require great effort to defecate | Hard to defecate or severely constipated |