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Health articles by Korean doctors, with direct links to their clinics

Korean medicinePublished 2026-10-03

[Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease] If Coughing, Phlegm, and Shortness of Breath Recur, What to Check Regarding COPD

By Jo Seong-won Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

  • Key points
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease in which coughing, phlegm, wheezing, and shortness of breath can gradually persist over time.
  • If you suddenly become more short of breath, experience an increase or color change in phlegm compared to usual, or notice difficulty speaking, bluish lips, decreased consciousness, or chest pain, do not dismiss them as routine symptoms and seek immediate evaluation at a medical institution.
  • Some people overlook frequent shortness of breath when climbing stairs and recurring morning coughing and phlegm, assuming it is simply due to 'getting older' or 'a lingering cold.'

What this article covers

  • Quick Answers
  • What symptoms does COPD start with?
  • 5 Things to Check Before Your Appointment
  • Why is a pulmonary function test important for diagnosis?
  • COPD exacerbation: How is it different from usual?
  • What to prioritize in daily management
  • Create an exacerbation action plan in advance
  • Realistic ways to start when quitting smoking is difficult

You can view the full content in the original post on the official blog at Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan.

Original: Read the full article on the Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan blog (Korean) ↗

# boyak (tonic herbal medicine)
Jo Seong-won

Chief Director · Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

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Korean medicine

[Digestive System] If You Experience Recurring Nausea and Gagging, Check Your Autonomic Nervous System as Well

  • Repeated feelings of nausea and retching do not necessarily indicate an autonomic nervous system disorder.
  • Causes vary widely and may include gastroenteritis, reflux esophagitis, medication side effects, migraines, pregnancy, and ear disorders. If you experience weight loss, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or new neurological symptoms, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
  • Some people experience an upset stomach when they wake up in the morning, feel the urge to retch before important events, and postpone meals because even a small amount of food makes them feel nauseous.

Jo Seong-won Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

Korean medicine

[Bladder and Urinary Disorders] Overactive Bladder in Ulsan: Why Should You Seek Treatment for Urge Incontinence When It’s Hard to Hold It In?

  • If you find it difficult to hold your urine or experience slight, involuntary leakage, you should get checked out.
  • When you’re tired or under stress, your autonomic nervous system can become disrupted, potentially making the symptoms worse, so you should be cautious.
  • By combining traditional Korean medicine treatments with lifestyle management, you can normalize your urination habits, so we recommend visiting us as soon as possible.

Jo Seong-won Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

Korean medicine

[Endometrial Adhesions] If Your Menstrual Flow Has Decreased and You’re Having Trouble Getting Pregnant, Here’s What to Check First

  • Endometrial adhesions refer to a condition in which the inner walls of the uterus stick together, which can affect the shape of the uterine cavity or the flow of menstrual blood.
  • If your menstrual flow has noticeably decreased or stopped following a D&C after a miscarriage, uterine surgery, or an intrauterine infection, or if you are experiencing recurrent miscarriages or difficulty conceiving, you should consult an OB/GYN to determine whether an evaluation of the uterine cavity is necessary.
  • It can be concerning if your menstrual flow decreases significantly compared to before after a miscarriage or childbirth, or if you experience lower abdominal pain around your expected period but have almost no bleeding.

Jo Seong-won Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

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