this is warm-dryness injuring the lung qi at a relatively superficial level (exterior stage). because the lungs are responsible for respiration and control the skin, they are the organ most influenced by the external environment.

when the weather is dry, dryness will affect the lungs first. at a relatively exterior level, this leads to moderate fever and headache. disruption in the flow of lung qi and the scorching effect of warm-dryness causes a dry, hacking cough. dryness also depletes the lung fluids, which manifests as thirst, a red tongue, and a dry tongue coating. the floating, rapid pulse indicates a superficial disorder. it is especially floating on the right side (cun position).