Chronic Cough - Phlegm-Heat Stagnation in the Lung Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic cough with
Chronic Cough · Phlegm-Heat Stagnation in the Lung Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest
Pattern Overview
Phlegm-Heat Stagnation in the Lung is a common pattern in chronic cough,
characterized by **chronic airway inflammation, cough with yellow thick
sputum, chest fullness, and feverish sensation**. The core pathogenesis
is Phlegm transforming into Heat and stagnating in the Lung, leading
to airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and cough.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
chest fullness |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
irritability |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
Lung |
| Etiology | Chronic bronchitis, repeated infections, poor diet |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm 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 |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
Large Intestine meridian; clears Heat |
| Yuji (LU10) |
|---|
metacarpal | Spring point of Lung meridian; clears Lung Heat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may
combine with pricking at Chize to clear Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang (清气化痰汤)
Composition:
Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Trichosanthes Seed (Gua Lou Ren), Arisaema (Dan
Nan Xing), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Apricot
Kernel (Xing Ren), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Poria (Fu Ling)
Action: Clears Phlegm-Heat, regulates the Lung, and stops cough.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Thick yellow sputum |
|---|
detoxify |
| Chest fullness | Add Gua Lou, Xian Bai to relieve chest tightness |
|---|
| Fever and thirst |
|---|
fluids |
| Chest pain with cough |
|---|
relieve pain |
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic airway inflammation with neutrophil infiltration, elastase
release damaging airways, and mucus plug formation. Phlegm-Heat
Stagnation corresponds to chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis with
significant airway inflammation, where neutrophil elastase and mucus
plugs contribute to airflow obstruction and cough.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Cough with Phlegm-Heat Stagnation.
2. DB-XJB: Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang.
3. 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-Dampness Accumulation 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.