Abstract
BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting millions of people worldwide, with a growing prevalence in South Korea. Korean medicine (KM), which includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and other holistic therapies, is widely used for asthma treatment in South Korea. However, data on the clinical practices of Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) are limited. This study aimed to assess the current status of KM practices in treating asthma. METHODS: A clinical practice survey was conducted from 22 July to 5 August 2024, targeting all licenced KMDs. A total of 27,662 KMDs were invited and 402 completed the survey. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, diagnostic and treatment practices and challenges in the management of asthma. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the findings. RESULTS: Herbal medicine (97.76%) and acupuncture (68.41%) were the primary treatments for asthma, with high patient satisfaction (93.78% for herbal medicine). The most prescribed herbal formulas were Maekmundong-tang (43.03%) and Cheongsangboha-tang (41.29%). Most KMDs treated mild asthma (67.71%) and reported high levels of integration with Western medicine (WM), with 38.56% of KMDs indicating that 76 - 100% of their patients used Western medications concurrently. Key challenges included financial barriers (64.43%) and a need for better access to diagnostic tools and standardised treatment protocols. CONCLUSION: This clinical practice survey provides valuable information on the clinical practices of KMDs in asthma care, underscoring the significant role of herbal medicine and acupuncture. The findings clarify treatment approaches and patient groups suited to KM, offering a foundation for future clinical trials, clinical pathway (CP) development and integration with WM.