Lung Patterns

Question 1

Primary Xu & Shi Lung patterns?

Answer 1

Xu: Lung Qi Xu, Lung Yin Xu
Shi: Invasion of Lungs, Dryness of Lungs, & Phlegm Obstructs the Lungs

Question 2

Key Sx of Lung Qi Xu?

Answer 2

weak cough, voice; fatigue, spont. sweating; frequent colds

Question 3

Key Sx of Lung Yin Xu?

Answer 3

dry cough, throat, nose, skin, voice(raspy); night sweats, malar flush, (hemoptysis)

Question 4

Key Sx of Invasion of Lungs?

Answer 4

sudden onset, chills & fever

Question 5

Key Sx of Dryness of Lungs?

Answer 5

dry cough (d/t exposure: climate or occupation)

Question 6

Key Sx of Phlegm Obstructs the Lungs?

Answer 6

difficult breathing w/ productive cough

Question 7

Lung Qi/Yang Xu signs & symptoms?

Answer 7

Main:
• fatigue, weak cough, weak voice, spont. (daytime) sweating
• weak, shallow respiration, shortness of breath after even minor exertion
Aux:
• easily catches colds, and/or does not recover quickly
• skin is cold & dislikes (sensitive to) cold & drafts
• avoids talking; thin, watery sputum
Psych:
• may have suffered a significant loss
Exam:
• T: normal or pale, smt. Scalloped
• P: weak, empty (esp. R cun position)

Question 8

Lung Yin Xu signs & symptoms?

Answer 8

Main:
• dry unproductive cough (small amounts of sputum, difficult to expectorate, may be blood)
• dry mouth & throat, dry skin, dry nose, thirst (but drinks little)
• low grade fever or sensations of heat in late afternoon, evening or night
Aux:
• night sweats, five hearts heat, dry/hoarse (husky) voice
• insomnia (awakens easily, often d/t dreams, overheating or sweating)
Psych:
• fidgety
Exam:
• T: red & patchy or peeled coat, dry and cracked (esp. front 3rd, usu. transverse cracks)
• P: weak, thin, & rapid

Question 9

Lung Dryness signs & symptoms?

Answer 9

1. exogenous invasion of dryness (stronger presentation that Yin Xu):
   • associated with climate or dry season (fall)
   • indoor living and forced air heating
   • occupational conditions excessive aerobic activity, drugs/medications
2. aftermath of a fever/internal heat damaging the body fluids (precursor to a yin deficiency)
   ** Main difference from Yin Xu is real thirst **
   Exam:
   • T: mainly dry, not necessarily red, and coat is still intact

Question 10

Lung Heat signs & symptoms?

Answer 10

** from either an exogenous pathogenic invasion into the lung itself, or excessive heat from other organs **
Main:
• dry, unproductive cough, definitive thirst w/ desire for cold liquids
• T: red & dry, yellow coat (not particularly thick or greasy)
• P: rapid & full, but not slippery

Question 11

Wind & Heat Invade the Lungs: signs & symptoms?

Answer 11

Main:
• common cold sx: sudden onset, sneezing, nasal congestion w/ yellow snivel
• sore throat, definite thirst, higher fever, still chills, smt. sweating
Aux:
• cough, headache, body ache, urine dark & decreased
Exam:
• throat red & swollen
• T: minor changes, thin white or yellow coat, some reddening (in Lu area)
• P: floating & rapid

Question 12

WInd & Cold Invade the Lungs: signs & symptoms?

Answer 12

Main:
• common cold sx: sudden onset, esp. sneezing, runny nose w clear, watery snivel
• stiff neck, headache (occipital), body ache, slight fever, definite chills
• aversion to drafts & cold, no sweating
Aux:
• scratchy throat, cough, not especially thirsty, urine may increase & is clear
Exam:
• throat not particularly red or swollen
• T: no change, thin white coat
• P: floating & tight

Question 13

Wind-Cold & Damp Invade the Lungs: signs & symptoms?

Answer 13

Main:
• sudden onset swelling/edema of face or eyes, lips/mouth/tongue
• aversion to wind/drafts, sneezing, itchy eyes, cough or dyspnea
Aux:
• edema may gradually spread to entire body; scant, pale urine
Exam:
• bright-shiny complexion
• T: white slippery/wet coat
• P: floating & slippery or soggy

Question 14

Phlegm & Dampness Obstruct the Lungs: signs & symptoms?

Answer 14

Main:
• chronic cough - productive w/ copious white sputum, comes in bouts
• chest feels full & congested, dyspnea, aggravated by lying down
Exam:
• white pasty complexion
• T: thick white greasy coat
• P: slippery or soggy

Question 15

Phlegm & Heat Obstruct the Lungs: signs and symptoms?

Answer 15

Main:
• loud/barking cough, productive w/ copious yellow or green, foul smelling sputum
Aux:
• wheezy/asthmatic breathing, tight chest (smoker, bronchitis, emphysema)
Exam:
• red puffy face
• T: red w/ thick yellow greasy coat (may be dry)
• P: rapid & slippery

Question 16

Key problem areas & symptoms in Lung patterns?

Answer 16

1. Energy: fatigue, lethargy; easily catch colds.
2. Respiration/Airway: dyspnea, shortness of breath, wheezing, etc.
3. Chest discomfort: chest fullness, stifling sensations, pressure, congestion.
4. Coughing: acute or chronic coughs (dry or productive).
5. Voice: weak voice, hoarse, change in voice.
6. Nose & Sinuses: sneezing; runny or dry nose, sinus congestion; change in sense of smell, epistaxis (nosebleeds).
7. Skin: lusterless, dry, flaky, itchy (esp. chronic)
8. Abnormal sweating: daytime = Qi Xu, night = Yin Xu.
9. Fluid retention: facial edema, urinary retention or incontinence.
10. Psycho-emotional: unremitting grief, melancholia, state of bereavement, (recent) serious loss, can’t cry or can’t stop crying, stuck, unable to let go, lonely or a loner, hypercritical, hypersensitive, purist.