nasi.
From the Chinese point of view it corresponds to Lung-Heat at the Qi level.
Carcinoma of the Bronchi
This is the most common cancer of all. It occurs more in males between 40 and 55. It is
characterized by a dry cough, breathlessness and a deep-seated thoracic pain. There may be some
scanty, blood-flecked sputum. The patient is weak, debilitated and lacks appetite.
From the Chinese point of view it corresponds, in its late stage, to Lung-Yin deficiency.
TB of the Lungs
This is an uncommon disease but it is on the increase both in the UK and the USA. It is more
frequent between the ages of 15 and 45. The cough is dry or with a scanty, blood-flecked
sputum. There is also a chest pain, breathlessness and night-sweating. The patient is also very
tired and debilitated and may have a low-grade fever in the afternoons.
From the Chinese point of view, this is a typical condition of Lung-Yin deficiency with
Empty-Heat.
Bronchiectasis
This consists in permanent dilatation of bronchi and/or bronchioles. The alveoli become
distended and filled with mucus.
The cough occurs more in the mornings and is productive of large amounts of sputum which is
purulent and has a "fruity" odour. The breath is offensive after a bout of coughing. During acute
episodes there is a temperature.
From the point of view of Chinese medicine, it may broadly correspond to the pattern of "Turbid
Phlegm in the Lungs" in "Breathlessness" (Chuan).
Heart Disease
In the elderly, cough may also occur with heart disease. A cough at night which is productive of
a very watery, white and frothy sputum may indicate impending left ventricular failure. On the
other hand, left ventricular failure may also cause pulmonary embolism manifesting with a
sudden, severe chest pain with dyspnoea and followed by a cough with blood-stained sputum.