Asthma - Heat Wheezing Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for asthma with Heat
Asthma · Heat Wheezing Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest
Pattern Overview
Heat Wheezing is a common pattern in acute asthma exacerbation,
characterized by **airway inflammation, wheezing, yellow thick sputum,
red face, and feverish sensation**. The core pathogenesis is
Phlegm-Heat accumulating in the Lung, causing Lung Qi to fail to
descend, bronchospasm, and wheezing.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
face |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sweating, feverish sensation, chest tightness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
failing to descend |
| Etiology |
|---|
spicy food intake |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Dazhui (GV14) | Below the spinous process of C7 |
|---|
Wind-Heat and clears Heat |
| Chize (LU5) |
|---|
tendon | He-Sea point of Lung meridian; clears Lung Heat |
| Feishu (BL13) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T3 |
|---|
Back-Shu point of Lung meridian; regulates Lung Qi |
| Dingchuan (EX-B1) | 0.5 cun lateral to GV14 (below C7) |
|---|
point specifically for asthma; stops wheezing |
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and clears Heat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; Dazhui
may be pricked to bleed to enhance Heat clearing.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ding Chuan Tang (定喘汤)
Composition:
Ephedra (Ma Huang), Ginkgo (Bai Guo), Perilla Seed (Su Zi), Tussilago
(Kuan Dong Hua), Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), Scutellaria (Huang Qin),
Pinellia (Ban Xia), Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Heat, diffuses the Lung, transforms Phlegm, and stops
wheezing.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Thick yellow sputum | Add Gua Lou, Bei Mu to clear Phlegm-Heat |
|---|
| Severe wheezing |
|---|
wheezing |
| Thirst | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
| Fever | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Airway inflammation with eosinophil infiltration, IL-4/IL-5/IL-13
release, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Heat Wheezing corresponds to
allergic asthma with Th2-type inflammation, where IL-4 induces IgE
production, IL-5 promotes eosinophil infiltration, and IL-13 induces
airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus secretion.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Asthma with Heat Wheezing.
2. DB-XJB: Ding Chuan Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Asthma fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for respiratory
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM asthma management.
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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.