By love-89.com As the seasons change, many people are struggling with flu-like symptoms. For some, a persistent cough follows, severely impacting their sleep and quality of life. We spoke with Mr. Li, a 56-year-old who has been dealing with this issue for nearly six months.
“Whenever I speak or change my position, my throat starts to itch and I feel a buildup of pressure, leading to uncontrollable coughing,” Mr. Li explained. “I often wake up at night coughing, and my sleep has really suffered.”
After seeking medical help at a local hospital and undergoing pulmonary function tests, Mr. Li was diagnosed with cough-variant asthma (CVA). Despite receiving medication from his doctor, he found little relief and even suffered a rib fracture from violent coughing. This raises the question: Can cough-variant asthma be cured, and how should it be treated, especially in the fall?
To get more insights on this topic, we spoke with Lin Lin, Director of the Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
**Can Cough-Variant Asthma Be Cured?**
Cough-variant asthma is a distinct form of asthma characterized primarily by a persistent dry cough without the typical wheezing associated with classic asthma. According to Lin, while it is not currently curable, many patients can achieve effective symptom management through proper treatment and strategies. “Most patients can control symptoms well, reduce the frequency of acute episodes, and in some cases, maintain a symptom-free state, significantly improving their quality of life,” Lin said.
Research indicates that about 30% to 35.7% of adults with cough-variant asthma develop typical bronchial asthma within five years. However, this risk can be significantly lowered with inhaled corticosteroid treatment, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and proactive management to prevent disease progression.
**How Should Cough-Variant Asthma Be Treated?**
The treatment goals for cough-variant asthma align closely with those for typical asthma. This includes symptom control, minimizing the risk of future acute episodes, maintaining normal lung function, enhancing quality of life, and mitigating side effects from medications.
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, experts suggest that external and internal “wind” can trigger outbreaks of cough-variant asthma. Lin emphasized the need for treatments that focus on removing the immediate symptoms during acute episodes while strengthening the body’s defenses in stable periods. “During acute phases, patients may benefit from traditional methods to alleviate airway inflammation and improve function,” Lin advised, recommending herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments to regulate the body’s constitution.
**Diet and Daily Care in the Fall for Cough-Variant Asthma Patients**
As we transition into fall, it is crucial for patients to focus on nourishing their lungs and kidneys. Recommended foods include astragalus, five-fingered peach, ginseng, and yam to boost lung energy, paired with kidney-supporting foods like morinda root and walnuts. With the arrival of drier air, Lin also suggests including ingredients like lily bulbs, pears, and almonds to enhance moisture retention.
Here are two suggested fall recipes:
1. **Cordyceps Flower and Five-Fingered Peach Stewed Chicken Soup**
– *Ingredients*: 500g chicken, 10-15g cordyceps flowers, 30-50g five-fingered peach, 3-5 slices ginger, dates, and salt to taste.
– *Method*: Clean and chop the chicken, soak the cordyceps and five-fingered peach in warm water, combine all ingredients in a steamer with water, and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, seasoning before serving.
– *Benefits*: Nourishes lungs and spleen, alleviates cough.
2. **Himalayan Yam, Lily, and Walnut Congee**
– *Ingredients*: 50g yam, 10g lily, 30g walnuts, 100g rice, and salt to taste.
– *Method*: Peel and dice the yam, soak the lily, break walnuts into smaller pieces, wash the rice, then boil everything together until the congee thickens. Add salt before serving.
– *Benefits*: Supports spleen and kidneys, moistens the lungs.
Additionally, daily care is essential for managing the condition. Here are key guidelines to help prevent symptoms:
1. **Stay Warm**: Dress appropriately for temperature fluctuations, especially in the cooler morning and evening hours. Wearing a mask outdoors can help reduce airway irritation.
2. **Environment**: Maintain good air circulation indoors and use a humidifier to prevent dry air from irritating the airways. Patients should limit outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons.
3. **Lifestyle**: Regular sleep patterns enhance immunity. Gentle exercises like walking or tai chi are beneficial but should be approached gradually to avoid exacerbating symptoms.
4. **Emotional Wellbeing**: Emotional fluctuations can worsen cough-variant asthma. It’s important to manage stress through techniques like meditation and deep breathing to help alleviate symptoms.
As the seasons change, awareness and proactive management can significantly enhance the quality of life for those suffering from cough-variant asthma.