Traditional Chinese Medicine
Cold & Coughs
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Why Do We Cough?
Coughing is a defensive mechanism of the body; it is a reflex of breathing, to protect and help rid the respiratory tract of any pathogens.
What Are the Causes of Coughing?
The most common cause is upper respiratory tract infections, as well as inflammation of the respiratory system, such as bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary obstruction, all of which can cause coughing. In addition, external pressure such as being hit in the throat, and chemical or temperature stimulation, such as suddenly drinking ice water, can also cause coughing. Sometimes, taking certain medications can also cause coughing, such as hypertension medications, and other non-respiratory system diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, heart disease, etc.
TCM Categories for Coughing
1) External: external viruses or environmental factors that cause coughing
2) Internal: internal illnesses or emotional fluctuations that cause coughing
3) Dysfunction of lungs: a reverse flow of Qi from the lungs may cause coughing, like drinking iced water
Types of Coughs in TCM
Wind-Cold Cough
Symptoms: Thin white phlegm, throat itching, nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, accompanied by inability to sweat, headache, and body aches.
Treatment: Patients should be cautious about exposure to colds and avoid consuming cold foods. It is recommended to drink hot soup with ginger slices, scallion whites, and pepper.
Wind-Heat Cough
Symptoms: Thick or yellow phlegm, dry mouth, and sore throat. There could also be high fever and profuse sweating, along with headaches.
Treatment: Individuals with this condition should avoid exposure to wind and refrain from consuming tonics. It is advisable to drink tea with mint and honeysuckle.
Dryness Cough
Symptoms: Little or sticky phlegm that is difficult to cough up, or phlegm with blood streaks, dry and sore throat, dry lips, and nose. This condition is usually caused by the later stage of a cold or excessively dry environment.
Treatment: It is recommended for patients to avoid prolonged exposure to air conditioning. Consuming foods such as stewed pear with rock sugar, and ingredients like tremella and lotus seeds may be beneficial.
Common Types of People with Cough in TCM
Liver Heat Invading the Lungs
Symptoms: Common in individuals who are easily irritable and prone to continuous coughing with blood-streaked phlegm, and rib pain, accompanied by symptoms of a bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, red face, and red eyes.
Precautions: It is best to avoid dry and hot foods such as grilled meat, spicy hot pot, and sesame oil chicken.
Yin Deficiency Cough
Symptoms: Common in individuals who stay up late for meetings or work overnight. Coughing often produces little or no phlegm, occasionally with blood streaks, with symptoms of dry mouth and tongue.
Precautions: Foods with dry properties, such as biscuits and ginger tea, should be avoided.
Qi Deficiency Cough
Symptoms: Common in individuals whose professions require constant speaking. Coughing is accompanied by a weak and low voice and shortness of breath, and if there is phlegm, it is mostly watery. These individuals often feel tired and are prone to feeling like they are about to catch a cold.
Precautions: It is recommended to add dried fruits like sesame, chestnuts, lil bulbs, and pine nuts to soups to nourish the spleen and kidneys. However, it is not recommended to consume fried or roasted dried fruits.
Yang Deficiency Cough
Symptoms: This type is usually seen in individuals with chronic illness and poor heart and kidney function. Recurrent coughing with thin and clear phlegm, often accompanied by dizziness, heaviness in the limbs, or difficulty urinating are the main symptoms.
Precautions: It is not recommended to consume excessively cold foods.