Chronic Cough · Lung-Yin Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Chest

Pattern Overview

Lung-Yin Deficiency is a chronic pattern in persistent cough, characterized by airway mucosal atrophy, dry cough with scanty sputum, dry throat, and afternoon fever. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Lung-Yin failing to moisten the airways, leading to mucosal atrophy, cough receptor exposure, and chronic dry cough.

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.

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.

Chronic Cough · Wind-Cold Attacking the Lung Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Chest

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold Attacking the Lung is a common pattern in chronic cough, characterized by cold air-induced cough, white thin sputum, aggravation by cold, and nasal congestion with clear discharge. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold pathogens into the Lung, causing Lung Qi to fail to descend, leading to cough and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Chronic Cough · Wind-Heat Invading the Lung Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Chest

Pattern Overview

Wind-Heat Invading the Lung is a common pattern in chronic cough, characterized by post-infectious cough, yellow thick sputum, sore throat, and fever with aversion to wind. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Heat pathogens into the Lung, causing Lung Qi to fail to clear and descend, leading to cough and airway inflammation.

Chronic Cough: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Chest & Respiratory / Throat

Overview

Chronic cough—defined as a cough lasting 8 weeks or longer—affects up to 10% of the adult population and is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. It can stem from post-nasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or remain unexplained despite extensive investigation. Regardless of cause, chronic cough disrupts sleep, causes embarrassment, triggers urinary incontinence, and can even lead to rib fractures.