What are the symptoms of lung heat?

Jun 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, lung heat refers to a pathological condition caused by either external pathogens invading the lung or internal accumulation of heat in the lung, leading to dysfunction of the lung. Its symptoms include cough with phlegm, sore throat, fever with thirst, chest pain and chest tightness, constipation, and so on. If symptoms of lung heat occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

Generally, in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, lung heat refers to a pathological condition caused by external pathogens invading the lung or internal accumulation of heat in the lung, leading to dysfunction of the lung. This condition presents with a series of symptoms, including coughing with phlegm, sore throat and swelling, fever with thirst, chest pain and tightness, and constipation. If symptoms of lung heat appear, timely medical consultation is recommended. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Coughing with phlegm

This is characterized by frequent coughing and yellow, thick phlegm; hemoptysis (blood in sputum) may occur in severe cases. Heat pathogens scorch the lung, impairing its function of clearing and soothing, causing phlegm to become thick and yellow due to the action of excessive heat, and even damaging the lung vessels, leading to bleeding.

2. Sore throat and swelling

Redness and pain in the throat may be accompanied by hoarseness. Excessive heat in the lung meridian travels upward and flares up in the throat, causing local stagnation of qi and blood, and congestion and swelling of the mucous membrane.

3. Fever and thirst

A feeling of body heat may be accompanied by a mild increase in body temperature, as well as dry mouth and a preference for cold drinks. Heat pathogens in the lung consume body fluids, leading to symptoms of fluid deficiency such as thirst.

4. Chest pain and tightness

Fullness and pain in the chest that may worsen during respiration. Heat pathogens stagnate in the lung, impairing the smooth flow of qi and blood, thereby causing chest discomfort, pain, and tightness.

5. Constipation

This often involves difficulty in defecation and dry, hard stools resembling sheep droppings. The lung and large intestine are interior-exterior counterparts; downward transmission of lung heat may cause consumption of fluid in the large intestine, impairing its peristalsis and resulting in constipation.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid excessive consumption of spicy, greasy, and warm foods that tend to generate heat, and eat more light, nourishing, and lung-moistening foods such as vegetables and fruits to maintain normal lung function.

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Dry cough without phlegm: is it due to excess heat or cold in the lungs?

In general, a dry cough without phlegm may be caused by either excessive heat or cold in the lungs, and differentiation should be based on accompanying symptoms. Dry cough due to lung heat is often accompanied by signs of heat, while dry cough due to lung cold is typically accompanied by signs of cold, requiring targeted regulation and management. Daily care should be differentiated according to the syndrome type. For dry cough caused by lung heat, drinking more warm water or pear soup and avoiding spicy, hot foods is recommended. For dry cough due to lung cold, keeping warm and appropriately consuming ginger and red date tea may be beneficial.