TuberculosisTCM

Chronic Lung problems may be hereditary, especially if a parent had Lung tuberculosis. There may be
transverse cracks in Lung area and the Lung's pulse position may be more medial than normal.

Exterior Wind Cold or Wind Heat may remain in the body and eventually cause Lung Qi Deficiency.
There is often a chronic cough following an exterior Wind Cold or Wind Heat invasion. This situation
can be worsened when taking antibiotics for cold or flu, as they contain the Cold in the chest and
interfere with Lung's dispersing & descending functions.

Etiology

Lung patterns can be of either Excess or Deficiency. With Deficient patterns, Lung Qi Deficiency is
more common than Lung Yin Deficiency. In Excess patterns, the Lungs are usually invaded by external
pathogens, mostly Wind, Cold, and Heat.

Pathogens

Wind can combine with Cold or Heat to form Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat. Exogenous pathogenic
factors commonly first attack the Wei Qi (defensive energy) and exterior of the body. This would
result in exterior condition, as the Lungs have not yet been affected. Common symptoms such as
fever, chills, aversion to Cold, aching, sneezing, and stuffy nose indicate the struggle between the
Body's Wei Qi and the invading pathogen (such as external Wind Heat). As the condition worsens, the
Lungs can easily become involved.

Dryness, both internal and external, can affect the lungs creating symptoms such as dry throat, cough,
and dry skin (the Lungs control the skin).

Although uncommon, Dampness can combine with Wind causing an Exterior disorder with facial
edema.

Diet

Excessive consumption of Cold and raw (salads, dairy, etc.) foods decreases the Spleen's ability to
transform and transport nutrients. When the Spleen's ability is impaired, Internal Dampness and
eventually Phlegm accumulates in the Body. In Chinese Medicine it is said that while the Spleen is the
producer of Phlegm, the Lungs are the container for Phlegm.

Emotions

Both sadness and worry are associated with the Lungs. Chronic sadness disperses Qi and causes Lung
Qi Deficiency. Chronic worry knots or ties up the Qi causing Stagnation of Qi in the chest.

Lifestyle
TuberculosisTCM

Activities (or non activities) that restrict movement of the chest and breathing such as being hunched
over a desk in computer work, reading, or studying can deplete the Lung Qi. Excessive laziness and
lounging can also weaken Lung Qi.