The symptom of "Wheezing" discussed in this chapter corresponds to nos 2. and 3. above.

Aetiology

External Pathogenic Factors

External Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat may invade the body, penetrate deeper and settle in the
Lungs. Here they obstruct Lung-Qi, which then cannot transform fluids; and the fluids
accumulate into Phlegm.

Diet

The excessive consumption of cold, sour, or sweet-greasy foods injures the Spleen so that it
cannot transform and transport food essences properly. When this happens, Phlegm forms, it
accumulates in the Lungs, obstructs Lung-Qi and causes wheezing. Old books distinguished
"food-wheezing", "sugar-wheezing" or "sour-wheezing" according to the particular type of food
responsible.

Weak Body Condition

A weakened body condition after a long illness (which in children may happen after measles or
whooping cough) may deplete Lung-Qi and Spleen-Qi. When this happens, fluids are not
tranformed properly and Phlegm forms.

If the Yin of the body is depleted, Empty-Heat arises; this evaporates and condenses fluids into
Phlegm.

Pathology

The main pathological factor in Wheezing is "hidden Phlegm" stored in the Lungs. The upwards
movement of Phlegm propelled by rebellious Qi narrows the airways and causes wheezing. The
"Supplement to Diagnosis and Treatment" (1687) by Li Yong Cui says:

Chronic wheezing and breathlessness are due to: 1) obstruction of Qi in the

Interior; 2) an attack of an exterior pathogenic factor; 3) sticky Phlegm in the

diaphragm. These three factors combine to obstruct the Qi passages and when

breath is forced out there is a wheezing sound.4(104)