Question 1

Chronic cough that won't heal for months?

Accepted Answer

Chronic cough resistant to Western medicine responds well to Korean medicine. Bronchial mucosal recovery, lung function strengthening, and removal of phlegm-fluid (痰飮) provide root treatment.

Question 2

Cough lasting over a month after a cold — why?

Accepted Answer

Damaged bronchial mucosa hasn't fully recovered, so hypersensitivity persists. Herbs that recover mucosa and strengthen lung function bring improvement.

Question 3

Severe night-time cough — does treatment differ by cause?

Accepted Answer

Yes — reflux cough, post-nasal drip, bronchial hypersensitivity etc. each require different prescriptions. Treatment is customized after accurate diagnosis.

Question 4

If cough lasts over 3 weeks, is it chronic?

Accepted Answer

Generally over 3 weeks is subacute, over 8 weeks is chronic cough. If post-cold cough lasts over 3 weeks, suspect causes other than simple cold.

Question 5

Common causes of chronic cough?

Accepted Answer

Post-nasal drip, GERD, bronchial hypersensitivity, allergies are typical. Korean medicine looks at lung, spleen-stomach, and liver function imbalances comprehensively to treat the root.

Question 6

How long does chronic cough treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Depends on cause; usually 4–8 weeks of herbal medicine shows clear improvement. For severe bronchial hypersensitivity, 2–3 months recommended along with constitutional management for recurrence prevention.

Question 7

I've taken cough medicine long but it doesn't heal — does Korean medicine differ?

Accepted Answer

Western cough medicine mainly suppresses symptoms; herbs treat the root cause (lung heat, lung dryness, phlegm-fluid etc.) by constitution. When the cause is resolved, the cough naturally stops.

Chronic Cough