The research advance on the theory of Chinese medicine-exterior-interior correlation between the Lung and Large Intestine in the treatment of chronic cough

Abstract

Coughing as the main symptom of a chronic cough is a persistent respiratory disease that poses a substantial challenge to Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Large Intestine and Lung are intimately related, impacting each other's pathology and physiology, according to TCM theory. This complex interaction emphasizes how crucial it is to treat both organs at the same time while treating cough to support gut health. This viewpoint is further supported by current research, which demonstrates the connections between the Large Intestine and the Lung through a variety of pathways, including neurological pathways, mucosal immune system modulation, gas exchange dynamics, and microbiota composition. To clarify the mechanisms and practical applications of treating chronic cough by concurrently targeting the Lung and Intestine in TCM, this paper merges ideas from TCM theory and empirical research in Western medicine. This provides insightful information for efficiently managing chronic cough.