What are the symptoms of lung heat cough?

Symptoms of lung-heat cough are primarily related to the respiratory system and mainly include persistent coughing, thick phlegm, and nasal congestion.

1. Persistent coughing and sputum production

The most prominent feature of lung-heat cough is recurrent coughing accompanied by a sensation of phlegm in the throat. The expectorated phlegm is typically yellow. Patients often experience dry mouth and sore throat upon waking in the morning. In cases of lung-heat cough caused by yin deficiency with lung dryness, common symptoms include dry cough or minimal sputum production, sometimes with streaks of blood in the phlegm.

2. Fever

Patients with lung-heat cough may also develop low-grade fever. Urine may appear light red, and some individuals may experience mild shortness of breath.

Lung-heat cough is a common condition in daily life, primarily caused by poor diet and high mental stress, among other factors. Specific causes are as follows:

1. High mental stress

Prolonged late-night work or chronic stress can lead to reduced appetite and poor digestion, which negatively affects the lungs and may trigger lung-heat cough. Patients may also experience constipation, dark yellow urine, and coughing up yellow phlegm.

2. Poor diet

Excessive consumption of spicy, pungent, or heavily seasoned foods, especially during the dry autumn season, can easily lead to internal heat (fire). If this heat is not promptly alleviated, it may result in lung-heat cough.

To manage lung-heat cough, individuals can enhance physical exercise to improve immunity and resistance to disease. Adequate rest is important, and overexertion, fatigue, and staying up late should be avoided, as excessive exhaustion may lead to yin deficiency and reduced immunity. Attention should also be paid to staying warm and protecting against cold.