Case Number 77

Abstract

This case focuses on Aggravated Disorder (壞病) under the broad category of Cold Damage disorder. The term “Aggravated Disorder” appears twice in the Treatise. The discussion there is cursory, which probably bothered physicians in later generations. Xu attempts to correct this failing by providing a simple explanation. He focuses on the clinical aspect, and shows how a misdiagnosis and the consequent incorrect therapy can worsen the patient’s condition. He supports this judgment by quoting the patient, who says that two other doctors had incorrectly treated him. It is not the first time that Xu uses again the voice of a patient or a family member to confirm his suspicion that the patient had been incompetently attended.