What is the Lung zang-fu pattern in a patient with dry cough and night sweats?

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The pattern describing a patient with a dry cough and night sweats aligns with Lung Yin Deficiency. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin represents cooling, moistening, and nourishing qualities. When Yin is deficient, it leads to dryness and an inability to properly nourish the lungs, which can manifest as a dry cough since the lungs lack sufficient moisture.

Night sweats are also indicative of Yin deficiency, commonly observed when the body is unable to maintain its normal cooling functions during sleep. The combination of a dry cough and night sweats strongly suggests a deficiency of Lung Yin specifically, as the lungs are essential in regulating the body's moisture and fluid balance.

Other types of patterns, such as Lung Qi Deficiency or Lung Dryness, may present with additional symptoms that are not specifically focused on the dryness aspect or may not account for the night sweats. For instance, Lung Qi Deficiency might present more with fatigue and shortness of breath rather than dryness and sweating. Damp-Phlegm Obstructing the Lungs typically manifests with cough that is productive of phlegm, which does not align with the dry cough noted in this case. Therefore, the symptoms presented lead to the conclusion that Lung Yin Deficiency is the most fitting diagnosis.

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