Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of Qianhu Zhuye Tang of inflammatory factor levels, lung function and quality of life on stubborn cough in the elderly patients. Methods 120 cases of stubborn cough in the elderly patients were admitted to Central Health Center of Shanwanzi Township, Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County, Hebei Province from January 2022 to January 2023 were seclect, Divided into control group (60cases) and observation group (60cases) using a random number table method. Control group and observation group were treated with conventional western medicine and qianhu zhuye decoction. The changes of inflammatory factor levels indexes, lung function indexes and quality of life were compared between two groups before and after treatment. Results There was no significant difference in the levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, The observation group had lower levels of IL-1, TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group had higher levels of FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC and PEF (P<0.05); There was no significant difference of short-form health survey-36 (SF-36) scores between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05), Compared with the control group after treatment, The observation group had a higher SF-36 scores (P<0.05). Conclusion Qianhu zhuye decoction in the treatment of stubborn cough in the elderly, which can effectively reduce inflammatory factors level in patients, improve lung function and the quality of life.

Key words: Qianhu zhuye decoction, stubborn cough in the elderly, inflammatory factor, lung function, quality of life