Chronic Cough - Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation in the Lung Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Chronic Cough · Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation in the Lung Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Chest

Pattern Overview

Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation in the Lung is a common pattern in chronic cough, characterized by airway mucus hypersecretion, cough with profuse white sputum, chest tightness, and poor appetite. The core pathogenesis is Spleen deficiency generating Dampness, which accumulates in the Lung, leading to mucus hypersecretion and cough.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Cough with copious white sputum, chest tightness, poor appetite |

| Associated Symptoms | Heavy sensation, loose stools, fatigue, bloating |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale and swollen tongue with white greasy coating, slippery or soft pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Spleen deficiency generating Dampness, Dampness accumulating in the Lung |

| Etiology | Poor diet, excessive rich and fatty foods, Spleen deficiency |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Fenglong (ST40) | 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, 2 cun lateral to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |

| Feishu (BL13) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T3 | Back-Shu point of Lung meridian; regulates Lung Qi |

| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |

| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |

| Taibai (SP3) | Medial foot, behind the base of the 1st metatarsal | Source point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion may be added to warm the Spleen and transform Dampness.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Er Chen Tang (二陈汤) + San Zi Yang Qin Tang (三子养亲汤)

Composition:

Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Pinellia (Fa Ban Xia), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao), Perilla Seed (Su Zi), White Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi), Radish Seed (Lai Fu Zi)

Action: Transforms Phlegm, dries Dampness, and regulates Qi.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Copious sputum | Add Cang Zhu, Hou Po to dry Dampness |

| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |

| Loose stools | Add Shan Yao, Yi Yi Ren to strengthen Spleen and stop diarrhea |

| Chest tightness | Add Zhi Ke, Jie Geng to regulate Qi and relieve distension |

Western Mechanism Reference

Airway mucus hypersecretion with mucociliary clearance dysfunction, goblet cell hyperplasia, and mucin (MUC5AC) overexpression. Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation corresponds to chronic bronchitis or COPD with mucus hypersecretion, where goblet cell hyperplasia and MUC5AC overexpression contribute to mucus accumulation and cough.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Cough with Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation.

  2. DB-TCMJB: Spleen Yang Deficiency.

  3. DB-XJB: Er Chen Tang.

  4. WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. World Health Organization.

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