What Are the Differences Between Lung Heat and Lung Dryness?

Although lung heat and lung dryness seem to have only a slight difference in their names, they are two distinct diseases with vastly different causes and symptoms. If these conditions are not properly distinguished, random medication use may delay treatment. Cough caused by lung heat is typically recurrent and accompanied by sore throat and swollen tonsils, while cough due to lung dryness is more often characterized by dry mouth, thirst, and hoarse voice.

Lung heat cough is primarily caused by imbalances in lung qi and lung heat reactions. It often occurs in elderly and children with low immunity. Lung heat cough is considered an acute respiratory condition and is often a form of chronic bronchitis.

Lung dryness cough is typically seen in individuals with wind-evil invasion and lung qi deficiency. Its main cause is heavy dampness in the lungs, leading to symptoms of dryness, heat, and easy coughing. Lung dryness cough mostly affects children and the elderly, particularly during the transition between autumn and winter, so extra caution is advised.

The main clinical manifestations of lung heat cough include recurrent coughing, sore throat, constipation, and dark yellow urine. These symptoms are primarily caused by excessive internal heat. Many patients with lung heat cough also experience symptoms such as coughing up mucus and thick tongue coating.

The clinical manifestations of lung dryness cough mainly include dry mouth, hoarse voice, sore throat when swallowing, and other symptoms. Patients with lung dryness cough often have symptoms such as red tongue, rapid breathing, and constipation. While the condition may resolve spontaneously within 7-10 days without medication, the process can be quite uncomfortable.