Observation on the efficacy of Tuina combined with azithromycin in the treatment of chronic cough after Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Yun Pi Tiao Fei (spleen-strengthening and lung-regulating) Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) combined with azithromycin in the treatment of chronic cough due to Qi deficiency of lung and spleen after Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children. Methods A total of 100 children with chronic cough due to Qi deficiency of lung and spleen after Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection were enrolled and divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method, with 50 cases in each group. The control group was treated with oral azithromycin, and the observation group was treated with Yun Pi Tiao Fei Tuina on the basis of the treatment in the control group, with each session lasting about 35 min, and the treatment was carried out once a day. After 14 d consecutive treatments, the cough score, traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, clinical symptoms or signs disappearance time, serum inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6], eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), eosinophils (EOS), and immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels were observed, and the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were compared. Results The total effective rate was 96.0% in the observation group, which was higher than 78.0% in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the daytime and nighttime cough scores and total cough score in the two groups were reduced (P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of repeated coughing, weak coughing, tiredness and weakness, white sputum with diluted texture, and formless stools in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of TNF-alpha, CRP, IL-6, ECP, EOS, and IgE in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05), and the levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The disappearance time of cough, coarse breath sounds, and airway hyperresponsiveness came earlier in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Yun Pi Tiao Fei Tuina combined with azithromycin has a significant effect in the treatment of chronic cough due to Qi deficiency of lung and spleen after Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children. It can inhibit infection, shorten the course of disease, and promote recovery, causing fewer adverse reactions.