Respiratorymànxìng késou

Chronic Cough

Also called:Persistent coughLong-standing coughChronic cough

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'ke sou' / 'jiu ke'; located in the lung, involving spleen and kidney.

Overview

Chronic cough lasts over eight weeks. TCM divides cough into external-contraction and internal-injury types; the Suwen 'Treatise on Cough' says all organs can cause cough, not only the lung. Chronic cough is mostly internal injury, commonly phlegm-damp, phlegm-heat, lung qi deficiency or lung yin deficiency.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Phlegm-damp accumulating in the lung

Key distinguishing signs: Recurrent cough with abundant thick white sputum, worse in the morning, chest and stomach oppression, fatigue, greasy white coat, slippery pulse.
Treatment principle: Dry dampness, resolve phlegm and regulate qi to stop cough

Phlegm-heat stagnating in the lung

Key distinguishing signs: Loud forceful cough with thick yellow hard-to-expectorate sputum, dry sore throat, red face or fever, red tongue with yellow greasy coat, slippery rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear heat and drain the lung, resolve phlegm

Lung qi deficiency

Key distinguishing signs: Weak quiet cough with thin white sputum, short breath, spontaneous sweating, frequent colds, fatigue, pale tongue, weak pulse.
Treatment principle: Tonify lung qi, resolve phlegm and stop cough

Lung yin deficiency

Key distinguishing signs: Dry cough with little sputum or blood-streaked sputum, dry throat, hoarseness, afternoon tidal heat, heat in palms/soles, night sweats, red tongue with little coat, fine rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Nourish yin and moisten the lung to stop cough

Daily self-care

Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, cooking fumes, dust and cold dry air; keep indoor humidity comfortable.
With phlegm eat lightly and avoid fatty, sweet and cold foods; for dry yin-deficiency cough use lily bulb, tremella, pear and honey to moisten the lung under guidance.
Exercise moderately and practice diaphragmatic breathing; cough lasting over eight weeks needs a clinical work-up.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Coughing blood or blood-streaked sputum, unexplained weight loss or drenching night sweats: prompt evaluation.
Cough with chest pain, breathlessness, blue lips or persistent high fever: urgent care.
Cough over eight weeks in adults, smokers, or tuberculosis contacts: obtain chest imaging and assessment.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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