Hypochondrial Pain That Is Worse On Coughing And Breathingaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Chest & Hypochondriac Pain and Distention
What is Hypochondrial Pain that is Worse on Coughing and Breathing?
Hypochondrial pain that worsens with coughing and breathing typically manifests as discomfort or sharp pain below the ribs on either side of the body. This pain may intensify with deep breaths, coughs, or movement, signaling issues not only in the muscles and ribs but potentially in the organs housed in the upper abdomen. Such symptoms require careful assessment as they often overlap with various respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, making accurate diagnosis crucial for effective treatment.
How does TCM view Hypochondrial Pain that is Worse on Coughing and Breathing?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets hypochondrial pain exacerbated by coughing and breathing through the lens of energy flow disruptions and organ system imbalances. In TCM, this symptom is often seen as a manifestation of disharmony within the Liver and Gallbladder Channels, which can be aggravated by emotional stress or dietary factors.
Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony, such as Qi Stagnation or Phlegm accumulation, is essential for targeting treatment and achieving balance within the body's systems.
Root Causes of Hypochondrial Pain That Is Worse On Coughing And Breathing in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypochondrial pain that intensifies during coughing and breathing is often attributed to the pattern known as Phlegm-Fluids. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm in the body, obstructing the free flow of Qi, particularly in the Lung and Liver Channels.
Common symptoms include a sensation of fullness and discomfort in the ribs, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of heaviness. Effective treatment in TCM focuses on resolving phlegm and promoting the movement of Qi to alleviate these symptoms.
Explore below more details about what might cause Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Phlegm
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 Hypochondrial Pain That Is Worse On Coughing And Breathing
Common Symptoms: Shortness Of Breath Coughing Abdominal Distention Vomiting Clear Liquid Feeling Of Heaviness Lack Of Sweating Absence Of Thirst Edema
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm-Fluids | Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Abdominal distention, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling of heaviness, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Edema, Chest distension... see more | Er Chen Tang | Wen Dan Tang | Wu Ling San | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang |
| Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium | Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac distention | Shi Zao Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypochondrial Pain That Is Worse On Coughing And Breathing
To address hypochondrial pain linked to Phlegm-Fluids, TCM recommends specific formulas that focus on drying Dampness and transforming Phlegm. Er Chen Tang, featuring Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), is widely used to clear Phlegm from the Lungs, thereby easing breathing and reducing rib pain.
Another effective formula, Wen Dan Tang, also utilizes Ban Xia to harmonize the Stomach and Gallbladder, further helping to alleviate symptoms like nausea and hypochondrial distension. In more severe cases where fluid significantly impacts breathing, Shi Zao Tang is prescribed to expel excess fluid and relieve the pressure in the hypochondrial region, using potent herbs such as Kansui Roots (Gan Sui).
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Phlegm
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that drive out excess water
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Er Chen Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, such as Phlegm-Fluids
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hypochondrial Pain That Is Worse On Coughing And Breathing Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Chen Tang | Phlegm-Fluids |
| Wen Dan Tang | Phlegm-Fluids |
| Wu Ling San | Phlegm-Fluids |
| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Phlegm-Fluids |
| Shi Zao Tang | Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing-causing patterns like Phlegm-Fluids.
One such formula is Er Chen Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Er Chen Tang | Phlegm-Fluids |
| Wen Dan Tang | Phlegm-Fluids |
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing-causing patterns like Phlegm-Fluids.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing-causing patterns like Phlegm-Fluids.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Formulas that drive out excess water
These formulas are suitable for some hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing-causing patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium.
One such formula is Shi Zao Tang, with kansui root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hypochondrial Pain That Is Worse On Coughing And Breathing
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that drain Dampness
Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Water Plantain (Ze Xie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, like Wu Ling San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Water Plantain (Ze Xie) | Wu Ling San |
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang |
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Kansui Roots (Gan Sui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, like Shi Zao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cathartic herbs that drain downward" recommended for hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Kansui Roots (Gan Sui) | Shi Zao Tang |
| Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua) | Shi Zao Tang |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, like Er Chen Tang.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, like Er Chen Tang.
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Peking Spurge Roots (Jing Da Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, like Shi Zao Tang.