Asthma
Overview
Asthma (xiao bing) is an episodic wheezing and breathlessness disorder marked by audible wheezing in the throat, rapid or difficult breathing, and in severe attacks inability to lie flat. Latent phlegm retained in the lung is the underlying root; triggers such as external pathogens, diet, emotions, or fatigue stir the hidden phlegm, which rises with qi and obstructs the airway. Attacks are differentiated as cold or heat wheezing; remission focuses on tonifying the lung, spleen, and kidney.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Cold Wheezing (Attack)
Rapid breathing with wheezing, chest tightness and oppression, scant white frothy sticky sputum, dull complexion, no thirst or preference for warm drinks, attacks triggered by cold, white slippery coating, wiry tight pulse.
Warm the lung and disperse cold; transform phlegm and calm wheezing.
Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency (Remission)
After recurrent attacks: shortness of breath, weak voice, faint sputum, spontaneous sweating and fear of wind, poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue, pale tongue with white coating, fine weak pulse.
Fortify the spleen and boost qi; tonify the lung and consolidate the exterior.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Avoid cold air, smoke, pollen, and known triggers; steer clear of cold raw foods and foods that trigger reactions. During remission, practice graded exercise such as Baduanjin and breathing exercises. Massage Dingchuan (EX-B1), Feishu (BL13), Zusanli (ST36), and Shanzhong (CV17). Deficient-cold constitutions may consider summer sanfuitie or moxibustion under professional guidance. Always carry prescribed rescue medication and do not stop it without medical advice.
When to seek medical care
An asthma attack with difficulty speaking, blue lips, profuse sweating, confusion, or that does not improve after rescue bronchodilator is an emergency—call emergency services immediately.