Chronic Cough - Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation in the Lung
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic cough with
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 |
|---|
tightness, poor appetite |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
bloating |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, slippery or soft pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
accumulating in the Lung |
| Etiology |
|---|
deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
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 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Taibai (SP3) |
|---|
| 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 |
|---|
diarrhea |
| Chest tightness |
|---|
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.
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 cough management.
Related TCM Patterns for Chronic Cough
- Wind-Cold Attacking the Lung
- Wind-Heat Invading the Lung
- Phlegm-Heat Stagnation in the Lung
- Lung-Yin Deficiency
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.