Respiratoryxiàochuǎn

Wheezing & Asthma

Also called:AsthmaWheezingBronchial asthma

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'xiao bing' / 'chuan zheng'; latent phlegm root, located in lung with spleen/kidney.

Overview

Asthma presents with episodic wheezing, rapid breathing and, in severe cases, inability to lie flat. The Jingui Yaolue describes 'cough with ascending qi and a water-frog sound in the throat'. TCM sees latent phlegm as the underlying root triggered by external factors; phlegm rises with qi and blocks the airway. Attacks are cold or heat wheezing, while the remission phase reflects lung-spleen-kidney deficiency.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Cold wheezing

Key distinguishing signs: Wheezing and breath counterflow with thin white frothy sputum, chest fullness, dull complexion, cold intolerance and attacks in cold weather, white slippery coat, wiry tight pulse.
Treatment principle: Warm the lung, dispel cold and transform phlegm to stop wheezing

Heat wheezing

Key distinguishing signs: Forceful rapid breathing with loud wheezing, thick yellow hard sputum, chest oppression, agitation, red face, thirst, sweating, red tongue with yellow greasy coat, slippery rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear heat, diffuse the lung and resolve phlegm to calm wheezing

Lung-spleen qi deficiency (remission)

Key distinguishing signs: Recurrent asthma with habitual short breath, weak voice, spontaneous sweating, wind sensitivity, poor appetite, loose stool, fatigue, pale tongue, weak pulse.
Treatment principle: Strengthen spleen, tonify qi and secure the lung exterior

Kidney failing to grasp qi (remission/chronic)

Key distinguishing signs: Chronic panting with long exhalation and short inhalation, worse on exertion, sore weak knees, fatigue, sweating or cold limbs, deep fine pulse.
Treatment principle: Tonify the kidney to grasp qi

Daily self-care

Use prescribed controllers and rescue bronchodilators exactly as directed; never stop long-term controllers on your own.
Identify and avoid triggers (smoke, dust mites, pollen, cold air, vigorous exercise), monitor peak flow and keep rescue medication available.
In remission, support lung-spleen-kidney under professional guidance, exercise moderately (breathing exercises, Baduanjin) and take influenza vaccination.

When to seek medical help

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

Difficulty speaking, blue lips, altered consciousness, or rescue inhaler failing to help or helping only briefly: call emergency services now.
Rapid breathing with chest pain, sweating or inability to lie flat: emergency.
Waking breathless, needing the rescue inhaler more often, or markedly reduced exercise tolerance: prompt review to adjust treatment.

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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