1. Please introduce the Department of Internal Medicine V (Pulmonary system).

The medical ward is divided into five categories. The respiratory department belongs to the fifth. Theoretically lung, large intestine, skin, and hair are classified into one group. But actually we group lung, airway, nose, throat, etc. into one according to the western classification system, which is inconvenient. We usually cover allergies, respiratory diseases, hyperhydrosis(excessive sweating), 조병(燥病), phlegm diseases(담병), fever, and Ki diseases(기병;).

2. What are the most famous ones among pulmonary diseases?

The chronic coughing is most famous. These days we are having an increasing number of patients with flu on account of our new influenza-prevention clinic. We have a lot of patients with hyperidrosis, pleurogenic problems as well.

3. If you would recommend any precautions against pulmonary diseases?

Firstly, the most important thing is No Smoking. It is the principal cause of vesicular emphysema. Secondly, quit drinking. The lung works as a purifier in our body. Excessive drinking lessens our resisting power. Thirdly, get rid of bad eating habits. Having a specific taste to excess is not good. A Sweet flavor heats the stomach and the sultry lung develops phlegm. The emission properties of hot flavor spoil the lung. A salty taste interrupts our redistribution of Ki.

4. What are you focussing on when treating pulmonary diseases?

The two priorities are diversification of medicine and study of medical treatments. In old days, decoction, acupuncture, and moxibustion were all. But, these days we became to make use of inhalational remedies as aroma and patches as well. Treatments for allergies and asthma remain as a problem to be solved. I am supervising a clinical project of medical development with the support of Ministry of Health and Welfare - a billion won for each year during recent four years.

5. What are differences between Korean Medicine and Western Medicine in medical treatment?

A Merit of Korean Medicine is that it can not only treat but also prevent diseases. A merit of Western Medicine is that it can afford to work with acute diseases. Incurable diseases such as allergies and asthma are to be treated with the merits of both sides.