Department of Respiratory Medicine Also known as the Department of Internal Medicine - Respiratory, it is a clinical department dedicated to the research and treatment of respiratory system diseases, including the diagnosis and management of disorders affecting the trachea, bronchi, lungs, pleura, as well as related immune and allergic conditions.

I. Introduction to the Department of Respiratory Medicine

Full Name: Department of Internal Medicine - Respiratory (Department of Respiratory Medicine)
Core Responsibilities: Diagnosing and treating various acute and chronic respiratory diseases, such as the common cold, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.

✅ Common Scope of Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Infectious Diseases: Pneumonia, bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis

• Chronic Airway Diseases: Asthma, COPD

• Neoplastic Diseases: Lung cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment

• Interstitial Lung Disease: Pulmonary fibrosis

• Pleural Diseases: Pleural effusion, pneumothorax

• Allergic Respiratory Diseases: Allergic bronchitis, allergic asthma

? II. What is Allergic Bronchitis?

? Definition:

Allergic bronchitis refers to chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa triggered by allergen exposure, primarily characterized by recurrent cough and expectoration, which worsens especially in specific seasons or after contact with allergens.

It is often regarded as a prodromal state of asthma or a manifestation of cough variant asthma.

? Common Allergens:

• Dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander

• Cold air, smog, perfume, air pollution

? Main Symptoms:

III. What is Allergic Asthma?

? Definition:

Allergic Asthma is the most common type of asthma, accounting for 60%-80% of all asthma patients. It is a chronic airway inflammation induced by allergens, leading to airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow limitation.

? Pathogenesis:

Allergen inhalation by allergy-prone individuals → Excessive immune response → Bronchospasm, mucosal swelling, increased secretions → Airway narrowing → Dyspnea.

? Typical Symptoms:

⚠️ In severe cases, tachypnea, cyanosis of the lips, and inability to speak may occur, requiring emergency medical attention.

? IV. How to Diagnose? – Common Examinations in Respiratory Medicine

1. Pulmonary Function Test(Core Examination)

• Determines airway obstruction and its reversibility (improvement after bronchodilator use).

• It is the gold standard for diagnosing asthma.

2. Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Test(FeNO)

• Measures airway inflammation levels to identify allergic inflammation.

3. Allergen Testing

• Skin prick test or blood test for IgE to confirm sensitivity to specific substances (e.g., dust mites, pollen).

4. Chest X-ray or CT

• Rules out other diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and tumors.

5. Peak Expiratory Flow(PEF) Monitoring

• Self-monitoring by patients at home to assess asthma control.

? V. Treatment Methods

1. Allergen Avoidance (Fundamental)

• Use dust mite-proof bed covers and wash bed sheets frequently

• Avoid pet rearing and planting flowering plants

• Wear a mask to protect against pollen and cold air

• Keep indoor environments dry to prevent mold growth

2. Pharmacotherapy

✅ Asthma treatment emphasizes "long-term control and rescue as needed".

3. Desensitization Therapy(Immunotherapy)

• Prolonged, low-dose exposure to identified allergens (e.g., dust mites, pollen) to gradually reduce sensitivity.

• The course of treatment is 3-5 years, which can significantly reduce exacerbations and even achieve a cure.

4. Biologics(Novel Therapy)

• Targeted therapy for patients with severe asthma, such as anti-IgE antibodies (Omalizumab), for precision treatment.

? VI. When to Consult the Department of Respiratory Medicine?

Seek prompt medical attention if you or a family member experience the following:

• Recurrent cough lasting more than 4 weeks, especially with nocturnal awakening due to cough

• Shortness of breath and wheezing after activity

• Frequent "colds" that progress to bronchitis each time

• Poorly controlled asthma with frequent exacerbations (in diagnosed patients)

• A need to identify allergens and receive standardized treatment

✅ VII. Comparison: Allergic Bronchitis vs. Allergic Asthma

? Tip: Without proper attention, approximately 30%-50% of patients with allergic bronchitis may progress to asthma, so early intervention is essential.

? Summary

• The Department of Respiratory Medicineis a specialized department for diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases such as allergic bronchitis and asthma.

• Allergic bronchitis,dominated by chronic cough, is an early warning sign of asthma.

• Allergic asthma, with wheezing and shortness of breath as core symptoms, requires long-term standardized treatment.

• The key lies in early diagnosis, allergen identification, trigger avoidance, and standardized medication use.

• Most patients can live, exercise and work like healthy individuals with standardized disease management.

? Warm Reminder: Do not mistake wheezing for poor physical fitness or a common cold. Seek timely medical attention at the Department of Respiratory Medicine or Department of Allergology for scientific prevention and control, and bid farewell to recurrent symptoms!