Since late autumn, the weather has grown colder, and before we knew it, coughs have become more frequent. There's always one or two friends or family members around us who just can't stop coughing. Strangely enough, many of these cough sufferers don't have a fever or runny nose. They just feel an itch in their throat or behind their sternum, and the cough just won't go away. They've tried many medicines with no effect, and in severe cases, they can't even sleep. How can we treat coughs at their root? Experts have something to say!
Seasonal Coughs Surge Amid Climate Fluctuations
Ms. Liu, a resident of Tianhe District, has been suffering from a severe cough lately. Colleagues urged her to seek medical attention. Through a friend's recommendation, she consulted Ji Changsuo, a specially appointed expert at the Traditional Medicine Clinic of Guangdong Provincial Second People's Hospital. Examination revealed the source of her cough was in the bronchi, most likely caused by a viral infection—a classic case of seasonal autumn cough.
"With abnormal global climate shifts and significant seasonal temperature variations—especially this year—we've seen a surge in seasonal cough patients. The most common presentation involves persistent coughing without fever or only a low-grade fever, accompanied by phlegm that's difficult to expel. Ms. Liu is a classic example of this pattern," explained Dr. Ji."Ji Changsuo explained that coughs can be analyzed from three perspectives. First, the location triggering the cough: by assessing the origin of the cough sound and reviewing X-ray findings, we can determine the site causing the cough. Common sites include the throat, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.Second, we consider the type of infection: bacterial, viral, or mycoplasma. Treatment approaches differ significantly for each. Bacterial infections respond best to antibiotics, viral infections often benefit from traditional Chinese medicine, while mycoplasma infections can be treated with either Western or Chinese medicine, though the course of treatment is typically longer. Third, we must rule out the possibility of tumors.
Jiangsu Traditional Medicine Clinic: Specially Appointed Expert Ji Changsu's Clinic (Photo provided by the hospital)
Autumn Cough Persists? Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Offer Effective Relief
"The probability of autumn coughs progressing into chronic, persistent coughs has significantly increased compared to previous years, so early intervention is crucial."According to Ji Changsuo, seasonal coughs affect all age groups. Recent patients ranged from an 86-year-old to a 4-year-old. Although autumn coughs decline as winter approaches, patients transitioning to chronic coughs may endure more severe and prolonged suffering.
Ji Changsuo, a specially appointed expert at the Traditional Medicine Clinic, possesses extensive experience in treating coughs. Seasonal coughs can typically be cured with three sessions of acupuncture thread implantation combined with several doses of Chinese herbal medicine. Many patients report significant relief after the first treatment."Furthermore, seasonal coughs are difficult to prevent due to complex causes and the lack of targeted preventive measures. Once symptoms appear, seek medical attention promptly for a clear diagnosis and targeted treatment," Ji added.
Ji Changsuo performing acupuncture for cough treatment (Photo provided by the hospital)