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Although hiccup (hiccough) is categorized into deficiency and excess patterns, in the context of measles (Measles), excess patterns are predominant while deficiency patterns are rare. This is primarily because rebellious qi rushes upward to the throat, and blazing stomach fire causes hiccup.

Hiccup is a symptom characterized by sound production due to the upward rebellion of qi. Although this condition can be divided into deficiency and excess types, hiccup induced by measles is caused by heat-fire pathogens; specifically, it results from stomach fire rushing upward. Excess patterns account for eight or nine out of ten cases, whereas deficiency patterns are rarely seen, accounting for only one or two out of ten. The treatment principle should focus on clearing heat-fire and harmonizing the Stomach. For hiccups caused by excess heat and phlegm-fire, Zhuru Shidi Tang (Bamboo Shavings and Persimmon Calyx Decoction) is used, with Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) and Gancao (Licorice Root) removed, and Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb) and Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) added. If hiccup persists, Anwei San (Stomach-Harmonizing Powder) without Shan Zha Rou (Hawthorn Flesh) is administered. If hiccup occurs continuously for twenty to thirty times without cessation, a paper strip can be used to stimulate the nasal cavity; inducing a sneeze will stop the hiccup. Alternatively, fresh ginger juice mixed with honey juice, heated and taken in one dose, is also effective.

Zhu stated: External treatments for hiccup include stimulating the nasal cavity with a paper strip to induce a sneeze, which stops the hiccup. Drinking heated ginger juice mixed with honey juice is also effective for treating hiccup.

Zhuru Shidi Tang (Bamboo Shavings and Persimmon Calyx Decoction)
Ingredients: Zhuru (Bamboo Shavings), Shidi (Persimmon Calyx), Chenpi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), Gancao (Licorice Root). For hiccups triggered by anger, add Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Qingpi (Green Tangerine Peel), and Huangqin (Scutellaria Root).

Anwei San (Stomach-Harmonizing Powder)
Ingredients: Chenpi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Mutong (Akebia Stem), Zexie (Alisma Rhizome), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Shihu (Dendrobium Stem), Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit). Decoct in water and take after meals. If stomach fire is severe, add Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum).

Sneezing clears Lung qi. If sneezing occurs throughout the course of measles, the condition is necessarily mild. If there is nasal congestion without sneezing, wind-pathogens are stagnating, and toxins are invading.

During the initial stage of measles, frequent sneezing indicates that internal fire is agitated by external wind-pathogens. Therefore, the presence of sneezing allows lung toxins to be resolved and Lung qi to become fully unobstructed. (Zhu stated: Sneezing is an auspicious sign in measles.) During the early fever stage, before the rash erupts, if sneezing occurs, it implies that an external contraction preceded the clearance. Even if the toxin is fierce, it can be rescued. During the eruption phase, the presence of sneezing indicates that the measles will be mild. After the resolution phase, continued sneezing signifies that the toxins have completely retreated; this represents the full resolution of toxins, leaving no residual complications. If sneezing is accompanied by copious nasal discharge, turbid pathogens are discharged, and Lung qi becomes clear, which is the most auspicious sign. If there is no sneezing and nasal congestion is present, wind-pathogens are likely stagnating. Qingfei Tang (Clear the Lungs Decoction) (see Article 50) can be used, removing Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) and Gancao (Licorice Root), and adding Jingjie (Schizonepeta Spike), Bohe Ye (Mint Leaf), Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit), Niubangzi (Arctium Seed), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), and Chi Fuling (Poria with Red Mycelium). Alternatively, Lijin Tang (Benefit Metal Decoction) (see Article 50) can be used, removing Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), Gancao (Licorice Root), and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), and adding Chi Fuling (Poria with Red Mycelium), Bohe Ye (Mint Leaf), Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit), and Niubangzi (Arctium Seed). Or formulas such as Chu Re Qing Fei Tang (Eliminate Heat and Clear the Lungs Decoction) from the complete book can be applied. In all cases of nasal congestion, acrid-cool agents should be used to vent and resolve the pathogen. Acrid-dispersing herbs such as Jingjie (Schizonepeta Spike), Gange (Kudzu Root), Niubangzi (Arctium Seed), Bohe Ye (Mint Leaf), and Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) are indicated. Cooling herbs such as Xuanshen (Scrophularia Root), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Dan Zhuye (Lophatherum Herb), and Gualou Gen (Trichosanthes Root) are also appropriate.

Chu Re Qing Fei Tang (Eliminate Heat and Clear the Lungs Decoction) (Repeated Entry)
This is the main formula for draining Heart fire and clearing Lung metal.
Ingredients: Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root, stir-fried with wine), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Xuanshen (Scrophularia Root), Sheng Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb), Chi Fuling (Poria with Red Mycelium). Decoct in water and take orally. For high fever, add Digupi (Groundcherry Root Bark). For extremely high fever, add Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome). For coarse breathing, add Tinglizi (Descurainia Seed) and Gualou Shuang (Trichosanthes Powder). For wheezing, add Suzi (Perilla Fruit) and Jiezi (Mustard Seed). For constipation, add Huomaren (Hemp Seed) and Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus). For severe constipation, add Dahuang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome).