Respiratory health, allergies and immunity

Signs of the nose, throat and airways are common. They may occur acutely, for example in case of a cold or sore throat, but they are also present for long periods of time or regularly return. Examples include hay fever, sinusitis, chronic cough, breathlessness or frequent respiratory infections.

Some symptoms are especially annoying, while others may have a clear influence on your sleep, energy, exercise or breathing. The cause may vary considerably: from virus or allergic reaction to chronic inflammation, respiratory irritation or underlying lung disease.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used in various respiratory, allergy and resistance problems. Which treatment is appropriate depends on the specific complaint, the possible cause and your personal situation. You can read more about this on the individual complaint pages.

Common signs and disorders

Within this category you will find more information about:

On these separate pages you can read more about possible causes, what acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can mean, the TCM vision, common TCM patterns and the expected course of treatment.

Possible causes

Airway, allergy and resistance problems can have many different causes: for example, viruses play an important role in colds and other respiratory infections, while hay fever and other allergic symptoms are caused by a reaction of the immune system to substances such as pollen, household dust mites or animals.

In some respiratory diseases, the airways are inflamed or extra sensitive to stimuli. Smoke, air pollution, dust, cold air, exercise and other irritating substances can cause or worsen symptoms. In some people allergic reactions may also provoke respiratory problems.

Complaints can also persist after an infection is over. This allows coughing, mucus formation, fatigue or increased respiratory sensitivity to persist for some time. Which cause is likely and whether medical examination is necessary depends on the specific complaint.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

The treatment of respiratory and allergy complaints is tailored to the nature and stage of the symptoms. An acute cold or sore throat requires, for example, a different approach to chronic sinusitis, hay fever or prolonged breathlessness.

Acupuncture looks at the current symptoms and factors that may contribute to their onset or return. In acute complaints, for example, the emphasis may be on nose, throat, cough or breathing. Chronic or recurrent complaints also look at the recovery between episodes and the sensitivity to new symptoms.

Chinese herbs can be used daily between treatments. Also, the approach varies greatly from one situation to another. Herbs chosen for acute respiratory infection are not automatically suitable for someone with long-lasting dry cough, high mucus formation or recurrent allergic symptoms.

The individual complaint pages explain more specifically what acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can mean in the relevant complaint.

A personal treatment

Which treatment is appropriate depends on the specific airway, allergy or resistance problems and your personal situation. During a first consultation, therefore, the onset and course of complaints, possible trigger factors, previous respiratory infections, allergies and other relevant symptoms will be considered.

On the page of each complaint or condition you will find more detailed information about treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, the TCM vision, common TCM patterns and the expected course of treatment.

Medical safety

Respiratory complaints may sometimes indicate a condition for which medical assessment is important. In case of severe breathlessness, rapidly increasing breathing problems, blue or grey discoloration of lips or skin, chest pain, drowsiness or confusion or other serious acute symptoms, contact regular emergency care immediately.

Also long-term or unexplained cough, coughing up blood, recurrent pneumonia or persistent hoarseness deserve medical assessment. In known chronic respiratory disorders regular monitoring remains important. Do not change prescribed medication or inhalation medication independently.

Contact

Do you suffer from respiratory problems, allergies or recurrent infections and want to know whether acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine can fit in with your symptoms? During a first consultation we will discuss your symptoms, possible trigger factors and other relevant symptoms. Based on the overall picture of complaints, we will consider which treatment best suits your situation.