When diagnosing a patient with constipation and fever, what is the best treatment plan?

In cases where a patient presents with both constipation and fever, the underlying pathology often involves a condition of heat accumulation in the digestive system. The correct approach is to address the heat that is affecting both the stomach and the large intestine while simultaneously promoting bowel movements to relieve constipation.

The treatment plan that includes clearing heat specifically in both the stomach and large intestine is essential because this approach can alleviate the fever and reduce the impact of heat on bowel function, which is contributing to constipation. Additionally, promoting bowel movements is critical in this situation; without addressing the constipation, the patient's overall condition may not improve, even if the heat is cleared.

This treatment plan is comprehensive as it targets both the symptoms (constipation) and the contributing factor (heat), creating a more balanced approach that is fundamental in traditional Chinese medicine's methodologies. Therefore, focusing on clearing heat in both the stomach and large intestine while promoting bowel movements addresses the root cause and the symptoms, making it the optimal choice.