These days, with heightened awareness of droplet transmission due to fine dust, coronavirus, and other factors more than ever, these days, with heightened awareness of droplet transmission due to fine dust, coronavirus, and other factors more than ever, many of us find ourselves becoming conscious of people around us every time we cough. When we see people with especially severe symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose, many cases involve inflammation inside the nasal cavity. However, because symptoms often recur easily depending on the weather or surrounding environment, many people tend to think of it as a lifelong condition that cannot be treated.
Along with the stomach and intestines, the lungs are organs that have a direct pathway to the outside, and they are important organs that help make up the body’s immunity. Just as we absorb, break down, and digest nutrients from the food we eat, we also make the qi and blood that form our body from the air we breathe. In that sense, just as the Digestive System connects the mouth and esophagus to the stomach, the Respiratory System, which connects the nasal cavity, throat, bronchi, and lungs, is also very important. At Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic, we provide prescriptions and treatments intended to strengthen the Respiratory System, support weakened function, and moisten dry lungs.
(1) Rhinitis
Rhinitis is a condition in which the nasal mucosa swells as it mounts an immune hypersensitivity response to protect the body from external viruses. In particular, sudden changes in temperature can make the autonomic nervous system busy and confused. The human body naturally has a tendency to maintain an optimal internal environment at a constant level. This is called homeostasis. When there is a temperature difference, the body uses a great deal of energy to regulate body temperature. At this time, immune function may decline, making it easier for external viruses to enter, and the Respiratory System, including the throat and lungs, is often affected first.
Because the nose and mouth are organs that draw air into the body and circulate it, symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, and a runny nose may appear. Inflammation inside the nasal cavity can also be understood as occurring when immunity has declined.
Rhinitis can develop not only due to immunity, but also when allergic inflammation caused by pollen, fine dust, house dust, and other factors persists, or due to structural abnormalities in the nasal cavity, hormonal abnormalities, imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, medications, and other factors.
– Allergic Rhinitis: This accounts for more than half of all rhinitis patients. It affects 10~20% of the overall population. House dust mites, animal dander, pollen, mold, and other substances irritate the nasal mucosa, and histamine is released from mast cells within the mucosa. Due to histamine, a large amount of nasal discharge is produced inside the nose, the mucosa swells, and inflammation occurs.
– Vasomotor Rhinitis: This is a type of rhinitis in which the nerve cells of the nose and related tissues react sensitively when eating hot foods, spicy or salty foods, drinking alcohol, being exposed to cigarette smoke or perfume, or suddenly going into a cold or hot place. It occurs when blood vessels inside the nose expand abnormally, causing excessive nasal discharge, swelling of the mucosa, and nasal congestion.
– Chronic Hypertrophic Rhinitis: This is a condition in which the nasal mucosa is always swollen and inflamed even without a specific cause. It may occur due to a deviated nasal septum, in which the nasal septum is bent, and symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip are always present. Symptoms may not appear during the day but tend to worsen at night. If you have had the condition for several years and it does not improve with medication, it can be considered Chronic Hypertrophic Rhinitis.
In Korean medicine, there is a saying: Hyeonghan eumnaeng jeuk sangpye (形寒飮冷則傷肺). It means that when the body is chilled or cold foods and drinks are consumed, the lungs may weaken, making illness more likely to occur. In this way, the lungs are very closely related to the Respiratory System. The lungs also help air circulate smoothly through the nose and allow us to sense smell. Therefore, among people who frequently develop inflammation inside the nasal cavity, such as nasal congestion and runny nose, many have weakened lung function. For this reason, treatment is provided not only to improve immune function, but also to help strengthen lung function.
(2) Sinusitis
Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, refers to a condition in which pus collects due to inflammation in the empty spaces around the nose called the “sinuses.” The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial bones around the nose, including the frontal sinuses above both eyebrows, the maxillary sinuses in both cheeks, the ethmoid sinuses between the eyes, and the sphenoid sinus located deep behind the nose. Sinusitis is one of the very common Respiratory Conditions, and clinically it can be divided into acute and chronic types according to how long symptoms have been present. Cases lasting less than 1 month are classified as acute sinusitis, while cases lasting 3 months or longer are classified as chronic sinusitis.
At Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic, we address chronic Causes by adjusting each patient’s constitution, immunity, and related factors according to their condition. By helping restore the function of the organs and bowels, promoting smooth circulation of qi and blood, and strengthening resistance and immunity, we help the body better withstand irritation from external substances.
Respiratory health care through Korean medicine Today, we are increasingly exposed to environments that burden the Respiratory System, such as coronavirus, severe fine dust, and large daily temperature differences. At times like these, we need something in daily life that can help protect Respiratory System health. In fact, breathing depends on the balance between inhalation and exhalation. In particular, breathing through the nose rather than the mouth, and exhaling through the mouth, should continue steadily so that unnecessary gases remaining in the body can be released and clean air can be taken in.
Along with these lifestyle habits, adding Korean medicine-based Respiratory System health care can help support both Respiratory System health and immunity. Respiratory Conditions are often treated by inhaling steroids that dilate the bronchi. Steroids suppress hypersensitive immune responses and reduce inflammatory reactions quickly, but side effects from long-term use can be serious, and the recurrence rate can also be high. Korean medicine treatment complements the limitations of steroids by using medicinal herbs that tend to have fewer side effects even when taken for a long time, helping strengthen the individual’s immunity and supporting fundamental treatment. In addition, Hoechundang Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic carefully prepares Korean medicine cold remedies, Ssanghwatang, Cheongin Yukaehwan, Tongbidan, and other options so that Respiratory System health and immunity can both be supported through Korean medicine.
Like spring rain on a tired throat, Korean medicine throat candy Cheongin Yukaehwan
Cheongin Yukaehwan is a Korean medicine throat candy made by combining the specialized expertise in traditional herbal medicine of the Department of Respiratory Internal Medicine and the Herbal Medicine Research Institute at Kyung Hee University Medical Center Korean Medicine Hospital with a modern interpretation. The throat candies we commonly know do not actually contain true herbal medicine ingredients. However, Cheongin Yukaehwan is a specialized Korean medicine product based on Gamgiltang, a prescription used for tonsillitis. It was made in candy form so that it is easy to take, convenient for children to carry and take frequently without reluctance.
Also, because it is designed to be dissolved in the mouth, it stays in the throat longer than a spray, so its effects may last longer. It contains propolis, which is known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and menthol for a cooling sensation. It may help soothe cough caused by a Common Cold and swelling in the throat, and may relieve symptoms when there is cough, phlegm, or throat discomfort due to chronic Respiratory System infections. It may also be helpful for people with rhinitis or asthma, and for the sensation of a foreign body in the throat among people who smoke a lot. In addition, after going outside even briefly because of fine dust, the throat may feel prickly and scratchy. Adults, as well as households with children, may have many concerns because it is hard to know when air conditions will improve. Cheongin Yukaehwan can be considered to help prevent Respiratory Conditions such as rhinitis and sinusitis, so the whole family, from children to adults, can worry less about fine dust.
People in occupations that require heavy voice use also often experience hoarseness or throat pain. For those who provide Consultation with customers, teach, or work in broadcasting or music, regular throat care is very important. In cases where the throat is used heavily like this, many people continue to look for Cheongin Yukaehwan as an item for throat care.
Feel a refreshing breath, Tongbidan
Tongbidan is a Korean medicine throat candy based on Changisan, a prescription introduced in Donguibogam. It may be effective for chronic nasal congestion and rhinitis treatment, and it is an herbal medicine that may help improve issues such as decreased concentration or drowsiness. It is prepared in troche form, meaning a candy that dissolves in the mouth, so it is easy for both children and adults to take. Rather than a bitter taste, it provides a refreshing sensation, making it convenient to take. It is recommended for people who experience significant discomfort in daily life due to chronic rhinitis, Allergic Rhinitis, sinusitis, or nasal congestion. It is also recommended for tired students and test-takers who have decreased concentration or feel very drowsy, as well as for people who drive frequently or professionally, as a way to help prevent drowsy driving.
With just one lozenge, your head and nose may feel clearer, so you can keep it in your bag or car and take it conveniently when needed. It is better to let it dissolve slowly rather than chew or swallow it, and please take it after receiving guidance on the appropriate method of use according to the prescription and instructions of the Medical Team at Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic. In this way, Tongbidan was developed from many years of know-how and numerous clinical experiences, and it may help lower concerns about side effects or tolerance and help prevent throat discomfort caused by various Respiratory System symptoms, such as chronic rhinitis, Allergic Rhinitis, and sinusitis, from recurring easily.
Comfort For Body And Mind: Korean Medicine Cold Remedies And Ssanghwatang
Korean medicine Common Cold remedies are characterized by being taken as soon as symptoms such as cough, phlegm, runny nose, or nasal congestion appear, even slightly, to help reduce symptoms. If you pay attention to symptom relief early, you may not need to rely on antibiotics or fever reducers. Hoechundang Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic understands this, so we have worked to create Korean medicine Common Cold remedies that help patients manage early Common Cold symptoms efficiently. With the experience and secret formulations we have built since 1904, we carefully include medicinal herbs that may help improve Common Cold symptoms such as cough, phlegm, runny nose, sneezing, chills, fever, headache, and body aches.
Because many people seek Korean medicine Common Cold remedies, we prepare them every day by carefully decocting the herbs after inspection in our in-clinic herbal medicine research lab and decoction room, and we prescribe them right away.
In addition, Ssanghwatang at Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic has the advantage of helping reduce body aches and support recovery from fatigue when taken promptly. If you pay attention and manage it a little early, you do not have to suffer from a prolonged Common Cold, body aches, or fatigue. We generously include medicinal herbs that may help efficiently manage body aches, lack of energy, fatigue, and overwork.