Discussing the Treatment of Pediatric Cough from the Perspective of the Liver

Abstract

Cough is the most common pulmonary disease in children. Historically, medical practitioners have often approached pediatric cough from the perspective of the lung and spleen, employing treatments such as disseminating lung qi to stop coughing, clearing the lung to dissolve phlegm, and strengthening the spleen to eliminate accumulation. However, clinical practice reveals a close relationship between pediatric cough and the liver. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine theory, whether considering the circulation of meridians or the interrelationship between organs, the liver and lung share a close connection. Additionally, the physiological characteristics of children often include an excess of heart and liver energy and a deficiency in lung, spleen, and kidney energy. Therefore, an excess of liver qi is also an important factor in the development of pediatric cough. Consequently, this paper aims to discuss the impact of liver physiological dysfunction on pediatric cough, summarize the theoretical basis and medicinal practices of treating pediatric cough from the perspective of the liver by past practitioners, and refine the diagnostic and treatment approach for pediatric cough, further leveraging the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine in pediatrics.