Symptom family: Cough Related Symptoms

Sub-symptom(s): Persistent Wheezing

What is Wheezing?

Wheezing is a common respiratory symptom characterized by a high-pitched, whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when the airways are constricted or obstructed, often as a result of inflammation or a buildup of mucus.

Wheezing can range from mild to severe and is often associated with conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. Persistent wheezing is a notable sub-symptom that requires medical attention to determine and address the underlying cause.

How does TCM view Wheezing?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), wheezing is viewed as a sign of disharmony within the body's energy pathways or Qi. TCM practitioners believe that wheezing is often a result of an imbalance in the Lung and Kidney systems, with factors such as Phlegm, external pathogens, and Yin or Yang Deficiencies playing crucial roles. Unlike Western medicine, which typically focuses on the symptom, TCM aims to restore the overall balance of the body to alleviate wheezing.

Root Causes of Wheezing in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), wheezing is considered a symptom arising from imbalances in the body's Qi (energy) flow, particularly within the Lung. One common cause identified in TCM is Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, where the accumulation of Phlegm obstructs the flow of Qi, leading to wheezing, a feeling of chest heaviness, and difficulty in breathing.

Another pattern, Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs, is marked by a dry cough and the presence of scanty, sticky sputum. This indicates a Deficiency of Lung Yin, where the Dryness in the Lungs fails to nourish and moisten the airways.

Lung Yang Deficiency, characterized by symptoms like cold extremities, fatigue, and a pale complexion, suggests a diminished warming and Qi-moving function of the lungs, resulting in wheezing and shortness of breath.

Explore below more details about what might cause Wheezing according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Wheezing

Common Symptoms: Stifling Sensation In The Chest Dizziness Coughing Sputum Shortness Of Breath Feeling Of Heaviness Asthma Pale Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs Wheezing, Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Asthma, Chest distension... see more Er Chen Tang
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs Wheezing, Dry cough, Scanty sputum, Shortness of breath, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Dry throat, Pale face... see more Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs Wheezing, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Er Chen Tang | Wen Dan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Qing Xin Li Ge Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm Wheezing, Coughing, Asthma, Edema, Stifling sensation in the chest, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum... see more Xiao Qing Long Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Wheezing

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, wheezing is often treated with specific formulas and herbs that target the underlying patterns. For the pattern of Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, characterized by chest heaviness and difficulty in breathing, the formula Er Chen Tang is frequently used. This formula incorporates Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) and Tangerine peel (Chen Pi), which are effective in transforming Phlegm and drying Dampness.

In the case of Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs, where patients experience a dry cough and scanty, sticky sputum, Bei Mu Gua Lou San is commonly recommended. This formula contains Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu), which is known for its ability to dispel phlegm and moisten the lungs, providing relief from dry cough.

Additionally, for Lung Yang Deficiency, which manifests as wheezing with cold extremities and fatigue, Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang is often prescribed. This formula typically includes Dried ginger (Gan Jiang), recognized for its warming properties and ability to expel cold from the interior. These formulas and herbs are carefully selected based on the patient's specific TCM diagnosis to effectively alleviate wheezing symptoms.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address wheezing, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Wheezing Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Bei Mu Gua Lou San Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Qing Xin Li Ge Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Ren Shen Ge Jie San Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Xiao Qing Long Tang Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm

Acupoints for Wheezing

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as part of its holistic approach. Effective acupoints for wheezing include Bulang KID-22 and Dazhong KID-4 in the Kidney Channel, which help in subduing rebellious Qi and strengthening the kidney's Qi reception. In the Lung Channel, points like Chize LU-5 and Jingqu LU-8 are used to clear lung heat and regulate Qi. These acupoints are selected based on their ability to directly influence the lung and kidney systems, which are crucial in the treatment of wheezing.

Explore below some acupoints used to address wheezing, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Kidney Channel
  • Lung Channel
  • Directing Vessel
Taixi KID-3

Taixi KID-3

In the depression between the medial malleolus tip and Achilles tendon (Calcaneal tendon), level with the tip of the medial malleolus.

Dazhong KID-4

Dazhong KID-4

Posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus, in the depression medial to the Achilles tendon, superior to its insertion at the calcaneus.

Yindu KID-19

Yindu KID-19

4 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Bulang KID-22

Bulang KID-22

In the 5th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Shenfeng KID-23

Shenfeng KID-23

In the 4th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Lingxu KID-24

Lingxu KID-24

In the 3rd intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Shencang KID-25

Shencang KID-25

In the 2nd intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Yuzhong KID-26

Yuzhong KID-26

In the 1st intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Shufu KID-27

Shufu KID-27

In the depression on the lower border of the clavicle, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

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