On a cold winter day, Aunt Li, a 60-year-old retired teacher, came to my office. For years, she had been plagued by a seemingly ordinary problem: an intractable cough. At first glance, it may seem unsurprising, after all, cough is so common in our lives. But her cough was unusual and lasted for months, especially at night. Aunt Li has tried a variety of cough medicines, but with little success.
After a detailed examination and evaluation, an unexpected diagnosis emerged: cough-variant asthma. This diagnosis not only surprised Aunt Li, but also made her realizeFor a long time she ignored the seriousness of the problem. Coughing, a seemingly harmless symptom, may actually be a precursor to a more serious illness.
Definition of cough variant asthma.
Cough-variant asthma (CVA) is a specific type of asthma in which the main symptom is not the usual wheezing or wheezing, but a persistent, dry cough. This cough is usually worse at night and may cause the patient to wake up frequently during the night. The diagnosis of CVA is often overlooked because it lacks the typical symptoms of asthma, such as dyspnea or wheezing, and only presents as a cough.
Key points of diagnosis. Symptom recognition: persistent dry cough, especially at night or in the morning, may be accompanied by a slight sensation of chest tightness.
Medical examination: Pulmonary function tests, especially changes in lung function after the use of bronchodilators, can reveal hidden asthma features.
Diagnostic criteria: CVA may be considered when other common causes of cough (eg, upper respiratory tract infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease) have been ruled out and pulmonary function tests indicate bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
During the diagnosis of cough-variant asthma, it is important to identify and distinguish this condition from other common** causes of chronic cough, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), upper respiratory tract diseases such as sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux. A key diagnostic step is to perform pulmonary function tests, including peak flow rate monitoring and bronchial challenge testing, to assess airway responsiveness.
In addition, a thorough evaluation of the patient should include a family history and sensitivity to environmental allergens (eg, dust mites, pollen, pet dander).。In some cases, additional tests, such as a chest x-ray or CT scan, may be needed to rule out other lung diseases.
1.Affects respiratory health: Chronic impairment of lung functionHarm.
Cough-variant asthma is not just a temporary discomfort. It can gradually damage lung health, leading to chronic airway inflammation. In the long term, this inflammation can lead to permanent changes in the structure of the airways, a process known as airway remodeling. The result is a gradual decline in respiratory function, and patients may experience persistent dyspnea and decreased activity tolerance.
2.Reduction in quality of life: social impact of persistent cough
Chronic cough can seriously affect the patient's daily life. Frequent coughing episodes are not only physically exhausting, but can also cause sleep disturbances that interfere with work and social activities. Cough attacks may occur in public, causing embarrassment and social avoidance, which can affect the patient's mental health and social interactions.
3.Mental health issues: a double whammy of anxiety and depression
Long-term coughing and breathing problems not only affect physical health, but can also be psychologically stressful. Many patients experience anxiety and depression due to persistent symptoms and a decrease in quality of life. This psychological burden can further affect the general health of the patient and may lead to adverse reactions to ** and ** decreased adherence.
1.Myth 1: It is just an ordinary cough and does not require special attention
Many people mistakenly think of cough-variant asthma as a normal cough, believing that it will naturally get better over time. However, this perception ignores the underlying severity and chronic features of cough-variant asthma。Prompt diagnosis and** are essential to prevent the condition from worsening.
2.Myth 2: Neglect and self-medication
Some patients may neglect** due to a lack of understanding of cough variant asthma, or mistakenly self-medicate. This can include the misuse of cough suppressants and over-the-counter medications, practices that can mask the severity of the condition and delay proper diagnosis and**.
3.Myth 3: Misunderstanding of disease
Others may have misconceptions about cough-variant asthma, such as believing that it is a short-lived, non-serious condition, or mistakenly believing that the condition can be fully controlled as long as certain triggers are avoided. In fact, cough variant asthma is a chronic disease that requires long-term management and requires the guidance and system of a professional doctor.