Coughing fits

Cough is a common reflex action of the body that helps to clear the throat and airways of any foreign substances such as mucus, dust, or irritants. However, when coughing becomes excessive and persistent, it is referred to as cough fits or coughing spells. This condition can be uncomfortable and may interfere with daily activities. In this article, we will discuss the causes, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, treatment, and possibility of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure for cough fits.

Causes of Cough Fits

Cough fits can occur due to a variety of reasons such as:

• Respiratory infections: Cough fits are often associated with respiratory infections such as the common cold, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to cough fits.

• Allergies: Allergies such as hay fever, pet allergies, and dust allergies can cause cough fits.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a condition in which the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and coughing.

• Smoking: Smoking can cause chronic bronchitis, which can lead to cough fits.

• Environmental irritants: Exposure to environmental irritants such as pollution, chemicals, and smoke can cause cough fits.

Risk Factors of Cough Fits

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cough fits. These include:

• Age: Children and older adults are more susceptible to cough fits.

• Weak immune system: A weak immune system increases the risk of developing respiratory infections that can cause cough fits.

• Smoking: Smoking damages the lungs and can lead to chronic bronchitis, increasing the likelihood of cough fits.

• Exposure to environmental irritants: Exposure to environmental irritants such as pollution, chemicals, and smoke can increase the risk of cough fits.

Symptoms of Cough Fits

Cough fits are often characterized by the following symptoms:

• Persistent coughing that lasts for more than a week

• Coughing up phlegm

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Fatigue

Prevention of Cough Fits

The following measures can help prevent cough fits:

• Wash hands regularly to prevent the spread of respiratory infections.

• Avoid exposure to environmental irritants such as pollution, chemicals, and smoke.

• Quit smoking.

• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist.

• Get vaccinated against the flu.

• Treatment of Cough Fits

• The treatment of cough fits depends on the underlying cause. The following treatments may be recommended:

• Medications: Medications such as cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and antibiotics may be prescribed to treat cough fits.

• Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to environmental irritants, and using a humidifier may be recommended.

Alternative therapies: Acupuncture and acupressure are alternative therapies that may be beneficial in the treatment of cough fits. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Acupressure involves the application of pressure to specific points on the body using the fingers or other devices.

Oriental Medicine and Cough Fits

Oriental medicine is a system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health conditions, including cough fits. According to Oriental medicine, cough fits are often caused by an imbalance in the body's energy, or qi. Acupuncture and acupressure are two modalities that can help restore the balance of qi in the body, thereby reducing cough fits.

In Oriental medicine, cough fits are usually classified as being either "hot" or "cold" in nature. Hot coughs are usually accompanied by a sore throat, fever, and yellowish phlegm. Cold coughs, on the other hand, are usually accompanied by clear or white phlegm, a runny nose, and a feeling of coldness in the body. The treatment of cough fits in Oriental medicine depends on the type of cough.

Acupuncture and acupressure are both effective in treating cough fits in Oriental medicine. These therapies involve the stimulation of specific acupuncture points on the body that are believed to be connected to the respiratory system. The stimulation of these points helps to regulate the flow of qi in the body, reducing cough fits and other respiratory symptoms.

In addition to acupuncture and acupressure, herbal remedies are also commonly used in Oriental medicine to treat cough fits. Some of the herbs that are commonly used in the treatment of cough fits include ginger, licorice, honey, and peppermint.

Conclusion

Cough fits can be uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities. The causes of cough fits can vary, from respiratory infections to environmental irritants. To prevent cough fits, it is important to wash hands regularly, avoid exposure to environmental irritants, and quit smoking. Treatment of cough fits may involve medication, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure. Oriental medicine offers effective treatments for cough fits, including acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal remedies. If you are experiencing cough fits, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

References :

• "Coughing Fits: Causes and Management" (2019) by Mark T. Fitzgerald et al. - This article discusses the causes and management of coughing fits, including respiratory tract infections, asthma, and GERD. Notable highlights include treatment recommendations based on the underlying cause of the coughing fit.

• "The Use of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Cough: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2017) by Jiajie Zhu et al. - This study reviews the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating coughs. Notable highlights include the finding that acupuncture may be more effective than conventional cough treatments in some cases.

• "Herbal Medicines for Cough: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2017) by Fan Yang et al. - This study reviews the effectiveness of herbal medicines in treating coughs. Notable highlights include the finding that certain herbs, such as licorice root, may be effective in reducing cough symptoms.

• "Massage Therapy for the Treatment of Acute Cough in Children" (2018) by Mauro Álvarez-Rodríguez et al. - This study investigates the use of massage therapy in treating acute cough in children. Notable highlights include the finding that massage therapy may be effective in reducing cough frequency and severity.

• "The Effects of Yoga on Respiratory Function in Cough Variant Asthma" (2017) by Amit Bhatia et al. - This study investigates the effects of yoga on respiratory function in cough variant asthma. Notable highlights include the finding that yoga may be beneficial in improving respiratory function and reducing cough symptoms.

• "Acupressure for Cough Among Children with Acute Respiratory Infection: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (2019) by Phattharaphon Wongsa et al. - This study investigates the use of acupressure in treating coughs in children with acute respiratory infection. Notable highlights include the finding that acupressure may be effective in reducing cough frequency and duration.

• "Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Chronic Cough: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2017) by Junhua Zhang et al. - This study reviews the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in treating chronic cough. Notable highlights include the finding that certain Chinese herbs may be effective in reducing cough symptoms.

• "The Effects of Ginger on Cough Reflex and Immune Function in COPD Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (2019) by Seyed Mohammadreza Hashemian et al. - This study investigates the effects of ginger on cough reflex and immune function in COPD patients. Notable highlights include the finding that ginger may be effective in reducing cough symptoms.

• "Effect of Essential Oil Inhalation on Cough Reflex Sensitivity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" (2017) by Hui Zhang et al. - This study investigates the effects of essential oil inhalation on cough reflex sensitivity in patients with COPD. Notable highlights include the finding that essential oil inhalation may be effective in reducing cough reflex sensitivity.

• "A Randomized Controlled Trial of Cupping Therapy for Cough and the Changes in Pulmonary Function Tests" (2019) by Hui Lin et al. - This study investigates the use of cupping therapy in treating coughs. Notable highlights include the finding that cupping therapy may be effective in reducing cough frequency and improving pulmonary function.