Asthma

1. Asthma Symptoms During a Common Cold

Respiratory infections, including the
common cold, can trigger asthma symptoms.
Some people notice more coughing, wheezing,
or shortness of breath during spring
and fall.

Follow your prescribed asthma action plan
when symptoms develop. Acupuncture may
be discussed as complementary care,
but it does not treat the infection
or replace asthma medication.

2. Asthma Associated with Weight,
Lifestyle, or Food Allergies

In traditional Chinese medicine, the Lungs
and digestive system are considered closely
connected. A practitioner may discuss
digestion, diet, and mucus production
when assessing symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Wheezing with a crackling sound
• Coughing up clear or yellow phlegm
• A feeling of heaviness in the body
• Excess weight or frequent tiredness

Food allergies and breathing symptoms
should be assessed by an appropriate
healthcare professional.

3. Lung Weakness Pattern

Traditional Chinese medicine may describe
a combination of respiratory symptoms
and low energy as a Lung weakness pattern.

Symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• A weak or soft voice
• Fatigue
• Mild wheezing
• Sweating with minimal exertion

Persistent or worsening breathing symptoms
require medical assessment, regardless
of the traditional pattern assigned.

4. Lung & Kidney Pattern

In traditional Chinese medicine, the Lung
and Kidney systems may be considered
together when assessing longstanding
respiratory symptoms, including asthma
that began in childhood.

Symptoms may include:

• Wheezing and fatigue
• Lower back or knee aches
• Excessive sweating
• Other signs described in traditional
  Chinese medicine as Kidney imbalance

Because these symptoms can have different
causes, an in-person assessment is
important.