Cough-Variant Asthma (CVA)
What is Cough-Variant Asthma (CVA)
Cough-Variant Asthma is a form of asthma where the main or only symptom is chronic cough—without the typical wheezing or breathlessness seen in classic asthma.
In homeopathic understanding, this reflects a latent respiratory hypersensitivity: the body expresses imbalance mainly through persistent cough instead of full-blown asthma attacks.
Causes
- Exposure to allergens (dust, pollen, mold, animal dander)
- Cold air or weather changes
- Respiratory infections (especially after a viral cold/flu)
- Exercise or physical exertion
- Pollution, smoke, or strong odors
- Nighttime aggravation due to lying down and airway irritation
Symptoms
- Persistent dry, hacking cough lasting weeks or months
- Cough is worse at night, disturbing sleep
- Cough worsens with exercise, laughing, or exposure to triggers
- No significant wheezing or shortness of breath (unlike other asthma types)
- In children: chronic cough may be the only asthma symptom
Precautions / Lifestyle
- Avoid exposure to dust, smoke, perfumes, and pollution
- Keep bedroom environment clean and allergen-free
- Use a humidifier if the air is too dry
- Strengthen lungs with gentle breathing exercises / yoga (pranayama)
- Drink warm water or herbal teas to soothe airway irritation
- Timely address colds, sinus issues, or throat infections to prevent worsening
Homeopathic Perspective
- Homeopathy considers cough-variant asthma as a precursor stage of full-blown asthma if not managed.
- By correcting the individual’s constitution and lowering airway hypersensitivity, homeopathy aims not only to relieve the cough but also to prevent progression into chronic asthma.
- Remedies are selected according to the nature of the cough, timing, and triggers.
Common Homeopathic Remedies for Cough-Variant Asthma
- Drosera – Spasmodic dry cough, worse at night, after midnight; constant tickling in throat.
- Rumex Crispus – Dry, teasing cough, triggered by talking, laughing, or breathing cold air.
- Spongia Tosta – Dry, barking, “sawing” cough, worse lying down at night, better from warm drinks.
- Ipecacuanha – Constant cough with suffocative feeling and nausea, even without much phlegm.
- Arsenicum Album – Dry cough worse after midnight, with burning in chest, restlessness, and anxiety.
- Natrum Sulphuricum – Cough worse in damp weather, with tightness in chest but no classic wheezing.
Summary
Cough-Variant Asthma shows up mainly as persistent dry cough without wheezing, often at night. Homeopathy plays a vital role by addressing the root sensitivity, providing safe long-term management, and preventing progression into full asthma.
