Cough of pregnancy

Cough during pregnancy. Cough of pregnancy is attributable to impaired depurative downbearing and inhibited qì dynamic arising when blood gathers to nourish the fetus and allows yīn vacuity fire stir, or when phlegm-rheum ascends counterflow, or when wind-cold is contracted.

Patterns

Yīn vacuity and stirring fire (阴虚火动 yīn xū huǒ dòng) causes cough with tidal heat and red cheeks, shortness of breath and lack of strength.

Medicinal therapy: Enrich yīn and clear heat. Use Ophiopogon and Rehmannia Pill (麦味地黄丸 mài wèi dì huáng wán).

Phlegm-rheum ascending counterflow (痰饮上逆 tán yǐn shàng nì) causes cough with copious phlegm, oppression in the chest, and heart vexation.

Medicinal therapy: Rectify qì and transform phlegm. Use variations of Two Matured Ingredients Decoction (二陈汤 èr chén tāng).

Contraction of external wind-cold (外感风寒 wài gǎn fēng hán) causes cough with nasal congestion, runny nose, heat effusion and aversion to cold.

Medicinal therapy: Resolve the exterior and diffuse the lung. Use Apricot Kernel and Perilla Powder (杏苏散 xìng sū sǎn).