Deficiency of the qi of the lung and spleen

Clinical manifestations : General lassitude ; cough with profuse, dilute, white sputum ; poor appetite, loose stools ; in severe cases, facial puffiness and edema of the feet ; a pale tongue with white coating

Etiology and pathology : This syndrome is often due to prolonged cough which may cause deficiency of the lung and later affect the spleen ; or the deficiency of the spleen which weakens the source of the lung qi. Deficiency of qi implies hypofunction of zang - fu organs ; that is the reason for general lassitude. Deficiency of qi does not allow normal distribution of body fluid, the accumulation of which forms phlegm damp. The retention of phlegm damp in the lung impairs the lung ' s function in descending and thus produces cough with profuse, dilute and white sputum. Dysfunction of the spleen in transportation manifests as poor appetite and loose stools. Deficiency of both the lung and spleen impairs the function of qi in circulating fluid, resulting in accumulation of harmful water and damp and producing facial puffiness and edema of feet. A pale tongue with white coating and a weak pulse are both signs of deficiency of qi.