What are the symptoms of Damp-Heat Accumulation Syndrome?
Aug 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
When dampness and heat block the body's qi movement and meridians, individuals may experience physical heaviness, fatigue, and a lack of agility during activity, with symptoms persisting even after rest. Some people may also develop limb soreness and swelling, affecting daily mobility. Damp-heat rising upward and steaming the mouth can frequently cause a bitter taste, accompanied by a sticky, uncomfortable sensation in the oral cavity, noticeable during speaking or swallowing, and multiple episodes of drinking water fail to provide complete relief.
During an episode of the syndrome of internal accumulation of dampness-heat, general symptoms include physical fatigue and heaviness, bitter and sticky taste in the mouth, sticky bowel movements, yellow and greasy tongue coating, abdominal distension, and reduced appetite. Detailed descriptions are as follows:
1. Physical fatigue and heaviness: Dampness-heat blocking the body's qi circulation and meridians causes a sensation of physical heaviness and weakness. Limbs may feel as if wrapped in wet cloth, lacking agility during movement. Symptoms may not be relieved even after rest. Some individuals may also experience soreness and swelling in limbs, affecting daily mobility.
2. Bitter and sticky taste in mouth: Upward steaming of dampness-heat to the oral cavity causes frequent bitter taste and a sticky, uncomfortable feeling in the mouth. This becomes more noticeable during speaking or swallowing, and cannot be fully alleviated even with repeated drinking. Symptoms may be more pronounced upon waking in the morning, and some individuals may also suffer from bad breath.
3. Sticky bowel movements: Dampness-heat affecting the transformation and transportation function of the intestines leads to changes in stool consistency, often manifested as unsatisfactory bowel movements. Stool may stick to the toilet bowl and be difficult to flush clean. Some individuals may experience diarrhea, with loose stools having a strong odor, or alternating episodes of diarrhea and unsatisfactory bowel movements.
4. Yellow and greasy tongue coating: Upon examining the tongue coating, one may find a thick yellow coating covering the tongue surface, with a greasy texture resembling a layer of oily substance. Some individuals may have tooth marks along the tongue edges. The degree of yellowness and greasiness of the tongue coating varies according to the severity of dampness-heat, becoming more apparent when dampness-heat intensifies.
5. Abdominal distension and reduced appetite: Dampness-heat disturbing the spleen and stomach leads to reduced digestive function. A feeling of abdominal fullness is common, especially more noticeable after meals. There is also a loss of interest in food and reduced food intake. Some individuals may experience nausea and belching after eating, further affecting appetite.
If the above symptoms of internal accumulation of dampness-heat appear, timely adjustment of lifestyle habits is necessary. Diet should be light, avoiding spicy and greasy foods. Maintaining regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "作息" here, which means daily routine or作息 habits) and moderate exercise is recommended. If symptoms persist or worsen, professional medical help should be sought promptly.
