Don't Rush to Use Medicine for "Air Conditioner Cough"
Core Tip: Cough medicines should generally not be used blindly. Because expectoration from the respiratory tract needs to be expelled through coughing, using cough suppressants will inhibit the cough reflex, leading to sputum retention, which can worsen the condition or lead to secondary infections.
As temperatures continue to rise, air conditioners are used more frequently. However, while enjoying the cool air, many people find themselves coughing as soon as they enter an air-conditioned room, and the cough lingers without improvement. This is the so-called "air conditioner cough." Many people take cough medicine as soon as they start coughing, hoping to suppress it completely. However, it should be noted that for "air conditioner cough," one should not rush to take cough medicine.
Coughing is a protective reflex of the human body. It expels secretions and inflammatory substances from the trachea, prevents foreign objects from entering the airway, and prevents the accumulation of bronchial secretions. Cough medicines should generally not be used blindly because secretions from the lower respiratory tract, namely sputum, need to be expelled through coughing. Using cough suppressants will inhibit the cough reflex, leading to sputum retention in the trachea and bronchi, which can worsen the condition or lead to secondary infections.
Patients with air conditioner cough often have deficiency and coldness of lung qi. Therefore, if the cough persists, a decoction of Zhisan Powder can be used for treatment. However, it is not suitable for those with a yellow tongue coating or excessive internal heat.
In addition, when using an air conditioner, the first thing to pay attention to is dust prevention and cleanliness. The filter of the air conditioner should be cleaned in a timely manner to prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on the filter, which can harm the human body. Furthermore, rooms with air conditioning should be kept clean and hygienic, and smoking indoors should be avoided.