Coughing repeatedly, taking cough suppressants and antibiotics but not seeing any improvement? The doctor suggests that this may be a special type of asthma. May 5th is World Asthma Day. Experts suggest that for asthma with persistent coughing, patients should seek timely medical attention, receive standardized treatment, and scientifically cope to stay away from disease troubles. There is a special type of asthma that only coughs without wheezing. Chen Ruchong, director of the Department of Allergy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, said that asthma is a common chronic airway inflammatory disease, with typical clinical manifestations of recurrent wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough, etc. "Cough variant asthma" is one of the special types, with chronic cough as the only or main symptom, which is easily overlooked or mistaken for pharyngitis or bronchitis. Chen Ruchong said that this type of cough usually lasts for more than 8 weeks and is mostly irritating dry cough or low phlegm. It is often obvious at night, early morning or early morning, and can also worsen after exercise, laughing, talking too much, exposure to cold air or irritating odors. Some patients have persistent cough during seasonal changes or after catching a cold, and the effectiveness of ordinary cough suppressants is often limited. Since it's called asthma, why not wheeze? Li Jing, the head of the Department of Allergy Science at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, said that "wheezing or not wheezing" is only manifested in different forms, but the essence of the disease has not changed. Li Jing said that patients with cough variant asthma also have chronic inflammation in their airways, but the degree, location, and neural sensitivity of the inflammation vary. In layman's terms, patients with cough variant asthma exhibit an "oversensitivity" state of the airway, which is easily triggered by mild stimulation and does not yet show obvious airway stenosis. Therefore, the main manifestation is coughing, not necessarily wheezing. How to scientifically respond? Xian Mo, deputy chief physician of the Department of Allergy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, said that daily work can start from three aspects: environmental management, lifestyle intervention, and early identification. Firstly, pay attention to the living environment. Xianmo recommends maintaining indoor cleanliness, ventilation, and appropriate humidity to reduce exposure to common allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroaches, etc. Bedding should be regularly cleaned and dried. It is recommended to wear a mask when going out during the pollen season or when the air quality is poor. Secondly, cultivate good lifestyle habits, including quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke; Maintain a regular schedule and moderate exercise to avoid staying up late or excessive fatigue. If combined with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, or obesity, patients should also take corresponding health management measures. Thirdly, pay attention to early medical treatment. The interviewed experts stated that if the cough persists for more than 3 weeks, especially for more than 8 weeks without relief, it is not recommended to take cough suppressants on one's own for a long time or repeatedly use antibiotics. It is necessary to seek medical attention promptly, clarify the diagnosis and evaluation. (Looking into the New Era)