What medication works best for treating cough with variability?
Cough variant asthma is generally referred to as "variant cough." Medications that are effective for cough variant asthma include budesonide/formoterol powder inhaler, montelukast sodium tablets, salbutamol aerosol, salmeterol fluticasone powder inhaler, and loratadine tablets. The choice of medication should be made according to individual conditions under medical guidance. If coughing persists for more than four weeks or worsens at night or in the early morning, prompt medical evaluation is recommended for accurate diagnosis.
1. Budesonide/Formoterol Powder Inhaler: This medication has both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, reducing airway inflammatory responses and relieving bronchospasm, effectively controlling cough symptoms. It is suitable for long-term maintenance therapy in patients with moderate to severe disease.
2. Montelukast Sodium Tablets: As a leukotriene receptor antagonist, it blocks leukotriene-mediated airway inflammation and constriction, improving airway hyperresponsiveness. It is particularly effective for patients with prominent nighttime coughing.

3. Salbutamol Aerosol: A short-acting bronchodilator that rapidly relaxes airway smooth muscles, providing quick relief from sudden coughing and wheezing. It is suitable as a rescue medication during acute exacerbations.
4. Salmeterol Fluticasone Powder Inhaler: Combines a long-acting β2 agonist with a corticosteroid, offering sustained control of airway inflammation and continuous bronchodilation. It is appropriate for patients in the chronic persistent phase.
5. Loratadine Tablets: An antihistamine that helps reduce allergic-induced edema and irritation of the airway mucosa, thereby assisting in alleviating cough variant asthma symptoms triggered by allergies.
Medication selection and proper use should follow medical advice. In terms of care, avoid allergens such as pollen and dust mites, minimize exposure to cold air and smoke, maintain indoor ventilation, engage in moderate exercise to strengthen physical health, and maintain regular作息 (daily routines) to reduce fatigue, all of which contribute to stable disease management.