It might seem contradictory to have both Dryness and Phlegm at the same time, but they refer to different type of Body Fluids issues. Dryness is due to physiological Body Fluids Deficiency, while Phlegm is the formation of pathological Body Fluids.

This pattern's key diagnose manifestations are the dry cough and scanty sputum but very difficult to expel from the throat.

In additional to the above symptoms, the patients often have dry throat and dry tongue which are the Dryness aspect of the pattern. It also covers the usual Phlegm associated symptoms such as feeling of chest oppression, feeling of head heaviness and dizziness, and Phlegm in the throat despite of its small quantity.

This pattern happens most likely to the elderly due to their prolonged pathological Phlegm accumulation. It can also occurs to patients with long term Yin Deficiency.