Lung Heat (肺热) is a TCM pattern where excessive heat accumulates in the Lung system, typically from environmental heat exposure, spicy foods, smoking, or external pathogens transforming into heat. This manifests as persistent dry cough with difficulty expectorating, thick yellow or green phlegm when it does come up, sore throat, red tongue tip and front third (Lung area), thirst, and sometimes fever. Unlike common cold coughs that improve in days, Lung Heat cough persists for weeks or months as the heat 'bakes' the lung fluids into thick, sticky phlegm that's hard to clear. In this case, a 28-year-old teacher had a persistent cough for 6 weeks that wouldn't resolve despite antibiotics. AI tongue diagnosis detected the red coloration and yellow coating indicating Lung Heat pattern. Treatment used cooling, heat-clearing herbs specifically targeting the Lungs, combined with avoiding heating foods (spicy, fried, alcohol). Results were rapid: cough resolved completely within 2 weeks, phlegm cleared, throat healed, and tongue returned to normal pink color with 95% Lung Heat pattern resolution confirmed by AI follow-up.
Lung Heat is a functional pattern, not a bacterial infection. Antibiotics kill bacteria but don't address the heat/inflammation mechanism in TCM terms. This is why post-viral or post-infection coughs linger - the pathogen is gone but heat remains 'baked' in the Lungs. TCM cooling herbs specifically drain this residual heat, which is why they work when antibiotics don't help anymore.
Avoid all heating foods: spicy/hot peppers, fried foods, alcohol, coffee, lamb, shrimp, garlic, ginger (which warms), chocolate, and smoking. These add more heat to already-hot Lungs. Instead eat cooling foods: pears (specific for Lung Heat), watermelon, cucumber, celery, mint tea, mung beans, tofu, and plenty of water. Pear with honey is a classic Lung-cooling remedy.
Lung Heat itself isn't pneumonia, but untreated Lung Heat can create conditions for bacterial pneumonia to develop. Chronic heat and thick phlegm provide a breeding ground for pathogens. Additionally, what Western medicine calls 'lingering bronchitis' or 'post-viral cough' is often Lung Heat in TCM terms. If fever develops, breathing difficulty worsens, or phlegm becomes rust-colored, seek immediate medical evaluation.
Common cold (Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat in TCM) is acute (days to 1-2 weeks) with watery discharge, body aches, and clears naturally or with simple remedies. Lung Heat is persistent (weeks to months), involves thick difficult-to-expectorate phlegm, red/yellow tongue signs, and needs specific heat-clearing treatment. Common cold can transform into Lung Heat if not properly treated or if heat accumulates.
Yes, children are actually prone to Lung Heat due to their yang constitution (more heat), tendency to eat sweets/fried foods, and rapid transformation of infections into heat. Signs include persistent cough after illness, night sweats, red cheeks, restless sleep, and thick phlegm. Treatment principles are the same but with gentler herbs and lower doses appropriate for pediatric use. Consult a qualified pediatric TCM practitioner.
Cough: Resolved completely
Phlegm: Clear, minimal
This AI-powered tongue analysis tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided should not replace professional medical consultation.
Important: Always consult with a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, qualified healthcare provider, or physician before making any health decisions or starting any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information obtained from this tool.
Note: While our AI models are trained on extensive datasets, no automated system is 100% accurate. Results may vary and should be verified by qualified health professionals. If you experience any serious symptoms or health concerns, seek immediate medical attention.