Respiratorymàn xìng ké sòu

Chronic cough

Also called:persistent coughlingering cough

From the TCM perspective: Internal-damage cough: lung-spleen-kidney dysfunction

Overview

A chronic cough lasts over 8 weeks. After acute external causes resolve, TCM sees internal-damage cough from phlegm-damp or phlegm-heat produced by a weak spleen, from lung dryness/yin deficiency, or in the elderly from the kidneys failing to grasp qi.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Phlegm-damp accumulating in the lung

Key distinguishing signs: Heavy cough with copious white sputum, chest fullness, poor appetite, fatigue, white greasy coat and slippery pulse
Treatment principle: Strengthen the spleen, dry dampness and resolve phlegm

Phlegm-heat in the lung

Key distinguishing signs: Cough with thick yellow hard-to-expectorate sputum, dry bitter mouth, red tongue with yellow greasy coat, rapid slippery pulse
Treatment principle: Clear lung heat and resolve phlegm

Lung yin deficiency

Key distinguishing signs: Dry cough with little sputum or faint blood, dry throat, hoarseness, night sweats, dry red tongue and fine rapid pulse
Treatment principle: Nourish and moisten lung yin

Kidneys failing to grasp qi

Key distinguishing signs: Lingering cough/wheeze worse on exertion with shortness of breath, especially in the elderly, weak knees and deep fine pulse
Treatment principle: Tonify the kidneys and help them grasp qi

Daily self-care

Avoid smoking, cold/dry air and irritants; humidify air and drink warm water.
For phlegm-damp reduce dairy, sweets and cold food; for dry lung use pear, white fungus, lily bulb and honey.
Track cough duration, sputum color and whether it is nocturnal or exertional.

When to seek medical help

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

Cough producing blood, or persistent cough weeks after infection, especially in smokers.
Cough with worsening breathlessness, chest pain, weight loss or night sweats.
Sudden cough after choking on food/foreign body, or with high fever.

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.

All symptoms