Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
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Diagnostic Signs
Swollen and wet tongue with a sticky white coating
Slippery (Hua), Slow (Chi)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Other Associated Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the cough with whiter watery sputum, phlegm in the throat and swollen tongue with sticky white coating.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
Cold Phlegm forms and accumulates if Wind Cold repeatedly invades the Lungs and the Spleen. Patients who have pre existing Yang Deficiency have more tendency to catch this Cold Phlegm.
Cold Phlegm can be the result of overconsumption of dairy foods, cold and raw foods and iced drinks.
Pathological Mechanism
The pathological manifestations of this pattern are quite similar to the ones of Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs. The key differences are the symptoms of Coldness such as cold hands, cold feeling and feeling of cold in chest. This feature can be reflected by the white and watery sputum.
The typical symptoms of Phlegm are sputum in the throat and chest oppression. The Phlegm can also obstruct the head and cause heaviness and dizziness.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Resolve Phlegm, expel Cold, restore Yang and the descending of Lung Qi.
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
Avoid dairy foods, cold and raw foods and iced drinks.
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