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2023.08.10
#针对中文使用者 & For English speakers #対象疾患

What is Cough-Variant Asthma? ~ If a person continues to have a persistent cough even after recovering from a cold, it could be a sign of Cough-Variant Asthma ~

Cough-Variant Asthma is a condition affecting the trachea and bronchial tubes, where the primary symptom is a persistent cough. The duration of the cough can vary, ranging from a few weeks to several years or even more than ten years. However, when the cough persists for an extended period, it can significantly impact daily life, underscoring the importance of seeking timely and appropriate treatment. This article explains what Cough-Variant Asthma is and its characteristics.

■Reservation fee  5,500 yen (tax included)
Reservation fee will be charged when you make a reservation. If you change your reservation within 3 business days of the reservation date, you will not be charged a new reservation fee.
Please note that cancellations are generally not refundable.
※Reservation fee is charged only when you make a reservation through the dedicated reservation form.
※Reservation time is only an estimate and may vary depending on other patients’ treatments, such as emergency response and urgent response.
※If you cancel a self-pay treatment reservation made through the dedicated reservation form on the day of the reservation, a cancellation fee of 100% of the cost will be charged.

 

Characteristics of Cough-Variant Asthma

If a persistent cough continues for approximately 8 weeks or more even after recovering from a cold, there may be suspicion of Cough-Variant Asthma. Similar to bronchial asthma, it involves an exaggerated response of the airways and bronchial tubes (the passage for air) to various stimuli, leading to narrowing, inflammation, and the presence of coughing. The causes can be related to one’s lifestyle, such as exposure to house dust, mold, pet dander, pollen, tobacco, or alcohol.
It is often observed to develop alongside a cold, and when a cough lingers after a cold, the possibility of Cough-Variant Asthma is considered. It has been reported to be more prevalent among individuals with allergic tendencies, and there is a recent trend of increasing numbers of affected patients.

Main Symptoms of Cough-Variant Asthma

  • Persistent cough lasting for an extended period (8 weeks or more)
  • Cough persists even after recovering from a cold
  • Coughing without or with minimal sputum production
  • Severe coughing that interferes with sleep, particularly during the night or early morning

 

 

Guidelines for Seeking Medical Consultation

If a cough subsides within approximately 2 weeks, it is often attributed to a common cold. However, if the symptoms mentioned above persist for about 8 weeks, it is advisable to consider seeking medical consultation from a respiratory or allergy specialist. In cases where the symptoms are severe, it is necessary to promptly seek medical attention without hesitation.

For individuals already receiving treatment for cough-variant asthma, it is recommended to consider seeking medical consultation if symptoms worsen or if the use of medication during episodes does not improve the condition.

At eHealth Clinic’s Allergy Department, we provide diagnosis and treatment for cough-variant asthma. As the causes of cough-variant asthma can vary among individuals, we conduct allergy tests to determine appropriate treatment and strategies. Please feel free to consult with us.

Key Points for the Treatment of Cough-Variant Asthma

The treatment of cough-variant asthma primarily involves medication therapy, similar to traditional asthma treatment. Over-the-counter cold medications are ineffective since cough-variant asthma is not caused by a common cold. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a conducive living environment by avoiding secondhand smoke and keeping the living space clean to prevent exacerbation of symptoms.

Medication Therapy

For the treatment of cough-variant asthma, bronchodilators are used. Bronchodilators are medications that widen the airways (the passages through which air flows) and facilitate easier breathing. In some cases, inhaled corticosteroids may also be prescribed as necessary. Inhaled corticosteroids help reduce inflammation in the airways and bronchi. Unlike oral steroids, inhaled corticosteroids directly target the airways and bronchi, minimizing systemic side effects.
If the cough subsides with this treatment, it is important not to discontinue the therapy based on personal judgment, as there is a possibility of recurrence. Therefore, it is crucial to continue the treatment for several months as per the physician’s instructions.

 

Things to be mindful of in daily life:

Asthma cough can be worsened by lifestyle habits and environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of avoiding triggers that can worsen symptoms in your daily life.

Avoiding factors that can worsen symptoms:

  • Respiratory infections such as the common cold
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Intense physical exercise
  • Temperature changes
  • Humidity changes
  • Pollen
  • Yellow sand (fine dust)
  • Dust mites
  • Pet dander, etc.

■Reservation fee  5,500 yen (tax included)
Reservation fee will be charged when you make a reservation. If you change your reservation within 3 business days of the reservation date, you will not be charged a new reservation fee.
Please note that cancellations are generally not refundable.
※Reservation fee is charged only when you make a reservation through the dedicated reservation form.
※Reservation time is only an estimate and may vary depending on other patients’ treatments, such as emergency response and urgent response.
※If you cancel a self-pay treatment reservation made through the dedicated reservation form on the day of the reservation, a cancellation fee of 100% of the cost will be charged.

 

If you are experiencing persistent coughing, it is advisable to consult with eHealth clinic.

Without proper treatment, cough-variant asthma can carry the risk of recurrence or progression to asthma. Therefore, it’s important not to discontinue treatment based solely on improvement of symptoms through self-assessment. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with a physician.

At eHealth clinic’s Allergy Department, we provide medical services for various conditions including cough-variant asthma, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, and more. Since the causes of cough-variant asthma and other types of asthma can vary among individuals, we conduct allergy tests and offer personalized treatment approaches for each patient. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or questions.

Our clinic

【1 minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Exit C5】

Director speaks English and Chinese. Available on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Open until 20:00 on weekdays.  24-hour web reservations available.Internal medicine, nephrology, allergology, urology.

 

Address: Shinjuku Dori Toyo Bldg. 3F, 2-6-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
・1 minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station (Exit C5) on Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line and Toei Subway Shinjuku Line
・7 minutes walk from Southeast Exit of JR Shinjuku Station
・5-minute walk from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station (Exit 2) on Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line

 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Email:contact@ehealthclinic.jp

 

Director of eHealth clinic

 Hoichi Amano (M.D.,PhD)
・Administrator of eHealth clinic
・Visiting lecturer (School of Public Health,Teikyo University)
・Locum Doctor (Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center)
・Occupational health physician for several companies

• Education
2018 – 2021 Doctorate in Public Health, Teikyo University Graduate School of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
2016-2018 Master’s Degree in Public Health, Teikyo University Graduate School of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
2004-2010 M.D., Saitama Medical University, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama, Japan

• Certifications
Board Certified Member of the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
Board Certified Nephrologist of the Japanese Society of Nephrology
Board Certified Member of the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Occupational Medicine Physician
Master of Public health
Doctor of Public health

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us here.(We will respond during business hours.)
https://ehealthclinic.jp/contact/

■Reservation fee  5,500 yen (tax included)
Reservation fee will be charged when you make a reservation. If you change your reservation within 3 business days of the reservation date, you will not be charged a new reservation fee.
Please note that cancellations are generally not refundable.
※Reservation fee is charged only when you make a reservation through the dedicated reservation form.
※Reservation time is only an estimate and may vary depending on other patients’ treatments, such as emergency response and urgent response.
※If you cancel a self-pay treatment reservation made through the dedicated reservation form on the day of the reservation, a cancellation fee of 100% of the cost will be charged.