ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of Sangbaipi decoction in treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung syndrome and its influence on respiratory function, procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP).MethodsA total of AECOPD 102 patients with phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung syndrome in our hospital from July 2021 to July 2024 were selected and randomly divided into the study group and the control group, with 51 cases in each group. Both groups were given conventional treatment and western medicine therapy, while the study group was additionally given Sangbaipi decoction. After treatment, the clinical efficacy, respiratory function, PCT and CRP, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) concentration and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.ResultsAfter treatment, the total effective rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group (92.16% vs. 76.47%, P<0.05). The forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced vital capacity and the ratio of the two in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of serum PCT and CRP, and the concentrations of NLR and FeNO in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The occurrence of wheezing, coughing, wheezing sounds and disappearance of wet rales in the study group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). During the treatment period, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionIn the treatment of AECOPD with phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung syndrome, the combination of Sangbaipi decoction can effectively relieve respiratory symptoms, significantly reduce the levels of PCT and CRP, and has unique advantages in improving respiratory function.