Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Suhuang Zhike decoction for cough variant asthma(CVA) and investigate its effects on levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6)

and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Method: The 279 cases with cough variant asthma in the First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City from February 2014-January 2016 were selected and divided into observation group (Suhuang Zhike decoction) and control group (montelukast tablets)

then the two groups were compared in terms of clinical efficacy

symptom scores

lung function

IL-6

TNF-α and adverse reactions. Result: To the end of the follow-up period

253 cases were effective

with an effective rate of 90.68%

and the shedding rate was 9.32%. The total effective rate was 93.70% in observation group and 69.84% in the control group. After 1 week

2 weeks

and 4 weeks

the symptom scores were continuously decreased in patients of both groups

and the changes in observation group were more obvious than those in control group (P<0.05). After treatment

the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)

forced vital capacity (FVC)

and FEV1/FVC in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). After treatment

the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The total incidence of adverse reactions was 4.72% in observation group with 1 case of recurrence (0.79%); the total incidence of adverse reactions was 16.67% in control group

with 10 cases of recurrence (7.94%). Conclusion: Suhuang Zhike decoction had remarkable results for cough variant asthma

which can significantly improve lung function and clinical symptoms

and effectively regulate IL-6 and TNF-α levels.