ENT & Eyebísè liútì

Runny or Blocked Nose

Also called:Blocked noseRunny noseStuffy noseNasal discharge

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'bi zhi' / 'bi qiu'; located in the nose, belonging to the lung.

Overview

Nasal congestion and discharge mean a blocked nose, runny nose and reduced smell, sometimes with sneezing and head fullness. TCM terms include 'bi zhi' (stuffy nose) and 'qiu ti' (sneezing); located in the nose and belonging to the lung, usually from wind-cold, lung/gallbladder heat, lung qi deficiency (allergy) or phlegm-damp.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Wind-cold invading the lung

Key distinguishing signs: Blocked nose with clear discharge and sneezing, chills, head/body ache, no sweat, thin white coat, floating tight pulse.
Treatment principle: Warm-acrid opening of the orifices and dispel wind-cold

Lung (gallbladder) heat

Key distinguishing signs: Blocked nose with thick yellow discharge, headache/head fullness, dry sore throat or fever, red tongue with yellow coat, rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear heat, diffuse the lung and open the nasal passages

Lung qi deficiency / insecure defense (allergic)

Key distinguishing signs: Recurrent sneezing with copious clear discharge, blocked itchy nose triggered by cold wind or allergens, short breath, spontaneous sweating, pale tongue, weak pulse.
Treatment principle: Tonify qi, secure the exterior and warm the lung

Phlegm-damp obstructing the lung

Key distinguishing signs: Chronic blocked nose with white sticky discharge, heavy head, chest oppression, copious phlegm, heavy body, poor appetite, white greasy coat, slippery pulse.
Treatment principle: Dry dampness, resolve phlegm and open the orifices

Daily self-care

Drink warm fluids, humidify rooms and use saline nasal rinse; blow gently one side at a time rather than forcefully.
For allergy reduce dust mites, pollen and pet dander and keep warm; with wind-cold use warm steam inhalation.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke; track triggers and timing.

When to seek medical help

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

Severe pain/swelling around the face or eyes, high fever, vision change or stiff neck: prompt care.
Symptoms over ten days, or worsening after improvement with purulent discharge and fever: consider bacterial sinusitis.
Sudden one-sided blockage with nosebleed or facial numbness: seek early examination.

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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