What is cough?

A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. It involves a rapid expulsion of air from the lungs. Coughs are usually a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease itself. Coughs might also lead to many other things that include:

·      Infections: Such as the common cold, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

·      Allergies: Like hay fever or allergic reactions to dust, pollen, or pet dander.

·      Irritants: Such as smoke, pollution, chemicals, or strong odors.

·      Chronic Conditions: Like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

·      Medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure, can cause a persistent cough.

Coughs can be classified into different types, including:

·       Acute Cough: Lasts less than three weeks and is often due to a common cold or respiratory infection.

·       Subacute Cough: Lasts between three and eight weeks.

·       Chronic Cough: Lasts more than eight weeks and may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Treating a cough depends on what it causes. For instance, coughs caused by infections might require rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications, while chronic coughs due to conditions like asthma might need specific treatments like inhalers. If a cough persists or is severe, it is important to seek medical advice for a doctor.

What are the normal treatments of coughing?

The treatment for a cough depends on its underlying cause. Common treatments could be:

·      General Measures

o     Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and keep the throat moist.

o     Rest: Adequate rest helps the body fight off infections.

o     Humidify the Air: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can soothe a dry throat and help with congestion.

·      Over-the-Counter Medications

o     Cough Suppressants: Medications like dextromethorphan can help reduce the urge to cough, useful for dry, irritating coughs.

o     Expectorants: Medications like guaifenesin help thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up.

o     Decongestants: Medications like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine reduce nasal congestion and are helpful if a cough is due to postnasal drip.

o     Antihistamines: Medications like diphenhydramine or loratadine can help with coughs caused by allergies or postnasal drip.

·      Prescription Medications

o     Antibiotics: Used if the cough is due to a bacterial infection such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

o     Inhalers: Bronchodilators or corticosteroid inhalers are used for coughs caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

o     Acid Reducers: Medications like proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers for coughs caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

·      Home Remedies

o     Honey: Taking a teaspoon of honey can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.

o     Ginger: Ginger tea or lozenges can help reduce coughing due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

o     Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat irritation.

·      Lifestyle Changes

o     Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, pollution, and strong odors.

o     Quit Smoking: Smoking can cause chronic cough and quitting can significantly improve respiratory health.

o     Manage Allergies: Identify and avoid allergens, and use medications or allergy shots as prescribed.

·      Specific Treatments Based on Cause

o     Asthma: Long-term control medications like inhaled corticosteroids and rescue inhalers for immediate relief.

o     Postnasal Drip: Nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants.

o     GERD: Dietary changes, weight management, and medications to reduce stomach acid.

When to See a Doctor

If coughs are severe and are lasting for more than a few weeks. It is always best to see a doctor as if it could get worse. Severe coughing symptoms such as high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood are very important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

How does acupuncture help coughing patients?

·      Acupuncture can help coughing patients in several ways:

o     Regulation of the Respiratory System: Acupuncture can improve the functioning of the respiratory system, helping to relieve symptoms like coughing and wheezing.

o     Reduction of Inflammation: Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation in the airways, which can decrease coughing.

o     Immune System Modulation: It can boost the immune system, helping the body fight off infections that cause coughs.

o     Balancing Qi: In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is believed to balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body, which can help alleviate symptoms like coughing.

o     Symptom Relief: Many patients report immediate relief from coughing and related symptoms after acupuncture sessions.

o     Reduced Need for Medications: Acupuncture can reduce the reliance on cough medications, which may have side effects.

o     Holistic Approach: Acupuncture addresses not just the symptoms but also the underlying imbalances in the body that may be contributing to the cough.

·      Specific Acupuncture Points for Cough

o     LI4 (Hegu): Located on the hand, it is used to relieve symptoms of respiratory disorders.

o     LU7 (Lieque): Located on the wrist, it is specifically used for respiratory issues and coughing.

o     CV22 (Tiantu): Located on the front of the neck, it helps with throat and cough issues.

o     ST36 (Zusanli): Located on the leg, it helps boost the immune system and overall vitality.

o     BL13 (Feishu): Located on the back, it is used for lung-related issues, including cough.

·      Evidence and Research

o     Some studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of coughs, particularly in chronic cases.

o     Research suggests that acupuncture can be helpful for conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and postnasal drip, which can cause chronic coughs.

·      Considerations

o     Safety: Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner.

o     Complementary Therapy: It is often used alongside conventional treatments to enhance overall effectiveness.

o     Individual Response: The effectiveness of acupuncture can vary from person to person, and not everyone may experience the same level of relief.

If you are considering acupuncture for cough relief, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider and seek treatment from a qualified acupuncturist. They can tailor the treatment to your specific needs and ensure it is done safely and effectively.