In Kampo, “lung medicines” are usually used to treat patients with bronchial asthma, according to the type of cough and sputum, and the degree of dyspnea which presents. However, it is also important to exclude exacerbating factors. In Kampo, the lungs and large intestine are thought to have a close relationship. We report three bronchial asthma patients whose cough and dyspnea were ameliorated by improving bowel movements. We discuss the types of bronchial asthma patients who might be effectively treated by controlling their defecation. We suggest that, when patients with mild bronchial asthma who have not previously had trouble with their bowel movements complain of respiratory distress with abnormal bowel movement, it might be effective to apply “large intestine medicines” to relieve their respiratory problems. (122 words)
Asthma ; Respiratory ; Bowel action ; Defecation ; Cases