Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The concept of Phlegm The concept of Dryness
Key attributes
Chinese name: 燥痰阻肺 Pinyin name: Zào Tán Zǔ Fèi
Pattern nature: Full
Pattern hierarchy: Specific pattern under Phlegm
Causes
Precursor patterns: Phlegm
Common causes: Diet
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Wheezing Dry cough Dizziness Dry throat Scanty sputum and five other symptoms
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua), Fine (Xi)
Tongue description: Swollen with a dry sticky coating or without coating
Treatment
Treatment principle: Remove Phlegm, nourish Body Fluids and Lung Yin, restore the descending of Lung Qi.
Common formulas: Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Pathology
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.
Causes
Precursor patterns: Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs can derive from Phlegm
Diet: Prolonged irregular eating schedule is one of the most common reason for this pattern. In additional to this, overconsumption of greasy or dairy foods is also a possible reason. Both actions forms Phlegm.
Diagnosing Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua) or fine (Xi)
Tongue description: Swollen with a dry sticky coating or without coating
Main symptoms: Wheezing Dry cough Dizziness Dry throat Scanty sputum Pale complexion Phlegm in throat Shortness of breath Feeling of heaviness Stifling sensation in the chest
Diagnosis commentary: Key characteristic symptom of this pattern is the dry cough with scanty Phlegm in the throat, which is difficult to expel.
Treating Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
Treatment principle
Remove Phlegm, nourish Body Fluids and Lung Yin, restore the descending of Lung Qi.
Herbal formulas used to treat Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Source date: 1732 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Moistens the Lungs. Clears Heat. Regulates Qi. Resolve Phlegm.
Formula summary
Bei Mu Gua Lou San is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1732 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Phlegm.
Diet recommendations
Avoid greasy and dairy foods. Keep regular dining schedule.
Consequence patterns
Dry Phlegm consumes Body Fluids and gives rise to Lung Yin Deficiency.