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Effects of suplatast tosilate, a new type of anti-allergic agent, on airway cough hypersensitivity induced by airway allergy in guinea-pigs.

BACKGROUND: Cough receptor hypersensitivity is a fundamental feature of some conditions presenting with chronic non-productive cough. Suplatast tosilate, an anti-allergic agent, is a T helper (Th)2 cytokine inhibitor that inhibits the synthesis of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, immunoglobulin (Ig)E production, and local eosinophil accumulation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of suplatast on antigen-induced airway cough hypersensitivity and eosinophil infiltration into the airway. METHODS: Number of coughs elicited by inhalation of increasing concentrations of capsaicin (10-8, 10-6 and 10-4 M) was counted 24 h after an antigen challenge in conscious guinea-pigs and then bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. We investigated the effect of single (before antigen challenge or capsaicin provocation) or repetitive treatment with intraperitoneal suplatast at a dose of 10 or 30 mg/kg on antigen-induced cough hypersensitivity. RESULTS: Twenty-four hours after antigen challenge, guinea-pigs developed an increase in cough receptor sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin and eosinophil infiltration in the airways. After a 2-week treatment with suplatast, but not after only a single treatment before antigen challenge or capsaicin provocation, the antigen-induced early phase bronchoconstriction, cough hypersensitivity, and airway eosinophilia were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that suplatast inhibits airway cough hypersensitivity underlying allergic eosinophilic inflammation.

Airway Resistance↗

Role of bradykinin and tachykinins in the potentiation by enalapril of coughing induced by citric acid in pigs.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are among the first-choice drugs for treating hypertension and congestive heart disease. It has been reported, however, that these drugs could induce chronic cough and airway hyperresponsiveness. The aim of this work was to assess in pigs the effects of bradykinin and tachykinins on citric-acid-induced coughing after ACE inhibitor pretreatment. Coughing was induced by challenging pigs with an aerosol of 0.8 M citric acid over 15 min. Coughs were counted by a trained observer for 30 min. The animals underwent two cough induction tests two days apart (days 1 and 3), the first being taken as a control. All drugs were injected intravenously 30 min before the second challenge. In the control group, no difference was observed between days 1 and 3. The ACE inhibitor enalapril (7.5 and 15 microg/kg) caused the cough frequency to increase significantly. In contrast, a dose-related decrease was observed with Hoe140 (icatibant), a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist (0.5 and 1 mg/kg). When both drugs were administered simultaneously (15 microg/kg for enalapril and 1 mg/kg for Hoe140), a significant increase was observed as compared with the control value obtained on day 1. When enalapril was combined with the three tachykinin receptor antagonists SR 140333 (NK1 receptor antagonist), SR 48968 (NK2 receptor antagonist) and SR 142801 (NK3 receptor antagonist), a significant decrease was observed as compared with control value obtained on day 1; the percentage of variation was also significantly different as compared with those observed in enalapril groups at both doses. These data suggest that ACE-inhibitor-induced enhancement of the cough reflex is mainly due to tachykinins and not to bradykinin in our pig model. Bradykinin, however, plays a major role in coughing induced by citric acid alone.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Eosinophilic airway inflammation as an underlying mechanism of undiagnosed prolonged cough in primary healthcare patients.

Prolonged cough is a common problem in patients seen in general practice. Using a simple method of sputum induction and processing of sputum samples, we determined whether eosinophilic airway inflammation could be a cause of undiagnosed prolonged cough. Eighty-two patients who had had cough for more than 1 month were enrolled into the study, in six primary healthcare centres. Patients with known pulmonary disease, including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or who were known to have another cause of cough, or to have recently suffered from a respiratory infection, were excluded. Fifty-three healthy individuals served as controls. Sputum was induced by inhalation of 3% saline. Inflammatory cells in smears were studied semi-quantitatively. Concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and human neutrophilic lipocalin (HNL) were determined. Sputum induction proved safe and adequate samples were obtained from 91%. Sputum eosinophilia (eosinophils accounting for more than 5% of all cells in smears) was present in 14 patients with prolonged cough (19%) but in no healthy individual (P=0.001). Five of the 14 individuals (36%) who exhibited sputum eosinophilia appeared to have asthma, while nine of the 14 (64%) did not. Concentrations of ECP and EPO were higher in patients with prolonged cough than in healthy individuals (P=0.02 for ECP; 0.005 for EPO). We conclude that eosinophilic airway inflammation is a fairly common cause of prolonged cough, even in patients not suffering from asthma or COPD, or in whom no other cause of cough is known to be present. Induced sputum samples obtained in health centres can be studied in a central laboratory. Detection of eosinophilic airway inflammation could aid the decision regarding treatment.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

[Tracheostoma valve with integrated cough lid for improvement of hands-free speech in laryngectomees - long term results].

BACKGROUND: Tracheostoma valves for laryngectomized patients were introduced to enable the laryngectomee after successful surgical voice restoration either by a voice prosthesis, a surgical shunt or microvascular laryngoplasty, to speak without using his fingers to close the tracheostoma. The basic principle of these aids is a mobile valve, which closes automatically at a certain air flow, directing the expired air of the lungs into the pharynx. In spite of the clear advantage of enabling a hands-free speech, the long term acceptance rate is still rather low, which is mainly caused by problems of an airtight fixation within or at the tracheostoma. Another important disadvantage of these tracheostoma valves is the necessity of removing the valve during coughing. The new tracheostoma valve "Window" (ADEVA Company, Lübeck, Germany) offers a clear improvement regarding this point. It is constructed with an additional coughing lid, which opens at a certain airflow and closes automatically after the coughing attack. After successful development and clinical testing of the new aid in 1999 and 2000, it was now the question, if the previously low acceptance rate of tracheostoma valves could be improved in the long term use by this new type of valve. PATIENTS: Within the last 4 years 70 patients were provided with the "Window" tracheostoma valve. Patients were followed up at regular intervals in order to evaluate the function, the acceptance and the durability of the new device. Additional to the clinical examination patients had to fill in a questionnaire in order to investigate the subjective estimation by each patient himself. 15 patients did not send back their questionnaire or did not fill it in correctly, 5 patients refused clinical supervision after adjustment of the device, so finally the long term use in 50 patients could be analysed. RESULTS: 82 % of the patients reported, that the coughing lid worked safely and opened immediately during the coughing attack. Most of the patients were satisfied with their device, but had nevertheless some proposals for a further improvement: although they cover the tracheostoma either with their clothes or a protection scarf, most of the patients would prefer a device which is smaller than the current model. Some patients reported on an insufficient stability of the plastic material, which led to a defect at the sliding mechanism of the coughing lid. The greatest problem regarding the regular use of the valve was - comparable to conventional tracheostoma valves - the occurrence of an air leakage around the tracheostoma. Although there are three different models of the "Window" tracheostoma valve available, only patients being fitted with the "standard-T-type" version could wear the device 10 hours a day or longer without any problems of air leakage. CONCLUSIONS: The "Window" tracheostoma valve with an integrated coughing lid provides further improvement in speech rehabilitation of laryngectomees. The actual rate of acceptance of 62 % for all "Window" patients (1 month daily use for at least 2 hours) is superior to other reports on the use of tracheostoma valves and probably caused by the additional comfort provided by the coughing lid. Another important factor for the long term use of tracheostoma valves is however the safe fixation of the device in or around the tracheostoma. In this point further improvement is necessary, as only the model with the fixation within the trachea (T-type) led to a satisfactory long term airtight fixation.

Cough↗

Thromboxane antagonism and cough in chronic bronchitis.

BACKGROUND: The increased eicosanoid synthesis has been suggested as the underlying mechanism of chronic productive cough in patients with chronic bronchitis. METHOD: The effects of the orally active thromboxane A2 (TxA2) receptor antagonist seratrodast and the cysteinyl leukotrienes (cLTs) receptor antagonist pranlukast on cough response to inhaled capsaicin were examined in sixteen patients with stable chronic bronchitis. Capsaicin cough threshold, defined as the lowest concentration of capsaicin eliciting five or more coughs, was measured as an index of airway cough sensitivity. RESULTS: The cough threshold was significantly increased compared with placebo after four-week treatment with seratrodast, but not after treatment with pranlukast. CONCLUSIONS: TxA2, but not cLTs, may be a possible modulator augmenting airway cough sensitivity in chronic bronchitis. Thromboxane antagonism may be considered to be one of the therapeutic options for the treatment of chronic productive cough.

Adult↗

Isolated chronic cough with sputum eosinophilia caused by Humicola fuscoatra antigen: the importance of environmental survey for fungus as an etiologic agent.

We report here a 35-year-old man with isolated chronic cough associated with sputum eosinophilia in which Humicola fuscoatra (H. fuscoatra) antigen was an etiologic agent. He was admitted for the diagnosis and the treatment of his severe nonproductive cough. Although 80% of the nucleated cells in his induced sputum were eosinophils, he did not have bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine or heightened bronchomotor tone. Bronchodilator therapy was not effective against his coughing. His cough worsened on his return home, suggesting the existence of some etiologic agent in his house. H. fuscoatra was isolated from his house, and the bronchoprovocation test with H. fuscoatra antigen was positive: i.e., development of coughing and decrease in capsaicin cough threshold (capsaicin concentration causing five or more coughs) from the prechallenge value of 31.3 microM to 1.95 microM at 6 and 48 hr, respectively, after the challenge. In addition, repeated environmental survey for fungi was suggestive of the importance of H. fuscoatra in the sputum eosinophilia. This is the first report concerning chronic cough with sputum eosinophilia caused by allergic reaction to H. fuscoatra antigen.

Adult↗

Target concentrations of remifentanil with propofol to blunt coughing during intubation, cuff inflation, and tracheal suctioning.

BACKGROUND: The target blood concentrations of propofol and remifentanil, when used in combination, required to blunt the cough response to tracheal intubation, cuff inflation, and tracheal suctioning without neuromuscular blocking agents are not known. METHODS: In a randomized prospective study, 81 patients were enrolled to determine which of three target remifentanil blood concentrations was required to blunt coughing during intubation, cuff inflation, and tracheal suctioning. Anaesthesia was achieved with propofol at a steady effect-site concentration of 3.5 microg ml(-1). The target blood remifentanil concentrations were 5, 10, or 15 ng ml(-1). These concentrations were maintained for 12 min before intubation. RESULTS: There was no cough response to intubation in more than 74% of patients and no significant difference in the incidence of coughing with intubation between the three groups. Significant difference in coughing, diminishing with increasing remifentanil target concentration, was observed with cuff inflation (P=0.04) and tracheal suctioning (P=0.007). Bradycardia and hypotension was more frequent with the remifentanil target concentration of 15 ng ml(-1). Tracheal suctioning resulted in more coughing than intubation (P=0.01) or cuff inflation (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: Target remifentanil blood concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 ng ml(-1) associated with a 3.5 microg ml(-1) propofol target blood concentration provided good intubating conditions and absence of cough about 75% of the time. Higher target remifentanil concentrations were associated with less coughing during tracheal tube cuff inflation and tracheal suctioning.

Adolescent↗

Cough sound analysis: a new tool for the diagnosis of asthma?

A method of computerized cough sound analysis is described. The sounds of nocturnal and post-exercise coughs from a child with asthma were compared with those from a child without asthma. The spectrographic patterns of voluntary cough at rest from the two children were similar. The pattern seen after exercise from the asthmatic child was different from the resting cough but similar to that seen during recorded nocturnal cough. In contrast the post-exercise cough from the non-asthmatic child was similar to the cough seen at rest. Refinement of this method of cough sound analysis may be useful in the diagnosis of asthma in young children.

Asthma↗

Cough mixtures: rational or irrational prescribing in Hong Kong?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the extent and how cough mixtures are prescribed, and what conditions or specific groups of people would contribute to its prescription in Hong Kong. METHODS: Using diagnosis and drug data obtained from logbooks submitted by participants in the diploma in family medicine course between 1999 and 2003, we selected and analysed all patients with a diagnosis of cough or cough-related illnesses as well as cough mixtures that were used to treat them. RESULTS: This study confirmed that cough-related illnesses were common in the Hong Kong primary care setting and cough mixtures were used quite liberally irrespective of the patients' age and sex. Combination preparations accounted for over half of the prescriptions and cough mixture was used less in severe cases when antibiotics were given. Private doctors working in the public sector. CONCLUSION: Given the current health care system, inappropriate and over-prescribing of cough mixtures can be improved by promoting health education and awareness among patients seeking medical help for this common medical condition.

Antitussive Agents↗

Twenty-four-hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring in the diagnosis of acid reflux-related chronic cough.

To define the role of ambulatory pH monitoring in evaluating chronic cough, we studied esophageal pH values of patients referred to a gastroenterology laboratory. Chronic cough was evaluated in 31 patients, who were grouped based on response to treatments; 11 patients (35.5%) had gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-related cough, 11 (35.5%) had pulmonary/otorhinolaryngologic-related cough (1 bronchitis, 6 asthma, 2 postnasal drip, 1 pneumonia), and 9 patients (29%) had cough of unknown etiology. Esophageal pH values of groups were compared. Excessive acid reflux distally (upright and supine) and proximally (upright) and cough symptom frequency related to acid reflux were significantly higher in patients with GER. Esophageal pH monitoring had good sensitivity (91%), specificity (82%), and positive (83%) and negative (90%) predictive values in identifying GER-related cough. In summary, ambulatory pH monitoring is an excellent test for identifying patients with GER-related cough.

Adult↗

Efficacy of coughing in tetraplegic patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized cross-over design study in six tetraplegic patients. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of coughing in tetraplegic patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In tetraplegic patients, pulmonary complications due to insufficient clearance of bronchial mucus frequently are described. Coughing in tetraplegic patients is thought to be insufficient because of severely impaired expiratory muscle function. More recently, however, it has been reported that many tetraplegic patients may have dynamic airway compression and thus a more or less effective cough. METHODS: Mucus clearance was measured using a radioactive aerosol tracer technique during 45 minutes on 2 days: once without intervention, and once with voluntary coughing in the period 15 to 30 minutes (once every 30 seconds). Measurements were done in a randomized order. For each day, individual slopes for the decrease in radioactivity were calculated, reflecting mucus transport in the peripheral, central, and the whole lung region. RESULTS: Significant differences in slopes were found between the control day and the cough day in the peripheral lung region for the interval 0 to 30 minutes and in the whole lung region for the interval 0 to 30 minutes and 0 to 45 minutes. The improvement of mucus clearance due to coughing, however, was relatively small in these patients, only 3% after 45 minutes: from 4% whole lung clearance during quiet breathing to 7% whole lung clearance during coughing. CONCLUSION: Tetraplegic patients may achieve a statistically significant increase in their bronchial mucus transport by voluntary coughing.

Adult↗

Codeine and cough: an ineffective gold standard.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cough is one of the most common reasons why patients visit physicians. The opioid codeine has been a mainstay in the treatment of cough for decades and this drug is widely regarded as the 'gold standard' cough suppressant. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent placebo-controlled studies have shown that codeine is no more effective than placebo in suppressing cough caused by either upper respiratory disorders or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These recent reports are not consistent with several older placebo-controlled studies that demonstrated the efficacy of codeine. The reasons for this difference are not fully understood. SUMMARY: We propose that these differences, as well as results from animal models, can be explained by the existence of a complex hierarchical control system that regulates the expression of coughing. This system, known as a holarchy, is composed of regulatory elements known as 'holons' that interact with one another to regulate cough. Based on work in animal models, codeine is proposed to act on an intermediate order holon that may not be critical for coughing under some situations in humans. Testing of this hypothesis and further elucidation of the control system for cough will represent an important direction for future research in this area.

Animals↗

Prevalence and clinical features of cough variant asthma in a general internal medicine outpatient clinic in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to examine the prevalence and clinical features of cough variant asthma (CVA) among patients with chronic and persistent cough at an outpatient clinic in Japan, and the efficacy of treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid. METHODOLOGY: This prospective study was conducted at a general internal medicine outpatient clinic in Japan over a 12-month period. CVA was diagnosed as chronic cough without wheezing or any apparent cause, that had persisted for more than 8 weeks, with a normal CXR and spirometry but with bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, and relief of cough after bronchodilator treatment. We also examined the effects of inhaled beclomethasone propionate on symptoms and differences in PEF between early morning and evening. RESULTS: Of 55 patients suffering from chronic cough, 23 satisfied the criteria for CVA. Their cough occurred more frequently at night and early in the morning. Early morning PEF was significantly lower than evening PEF with a mean variability of 11.5 +/- 4.1%. Treatment with beclomethasone propionate improved coughing and significantly increased early morning PEF, reducing variability to less than 10%. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that CVA is most common among patients with chronic cough not due to any apparent cause. The efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid suggests that early intervention is effective in the treatment of CVA.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Dissociation in the effect of nedocromil on mannitol-induced cough or bronchoconstriction in asthmatic subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Inhaled mannitol induces both bronchoconstriction and cough. Nedocromil sodium greatly attenuates mannitol-induced bronchoconstriction. Knowledge about the effect of nedocromil on mannitol-provoked cough might, therefore, clarify the mechanisms of this response. METHODOLOGY: Inhalation challenges with mannitol powder were performed after inhalation of 8 mg of nedocromil or its placebo in 24 subjects with asthma. The study was double-blind, randomised, and placebo-controlled. The mannitol-provoked coughs were manually recorded and the mannitol-induced bronchoconstriction was measured with a spirometer. RESULTS: The cumulative dose of mannitol that provoked at least two coughs tended to be higher on the nedocromil day than on the placebo day (34 (22--53) mg vs 26 (18--37) mg, P=0.051). The cumulative number of coughs per dose of mannitol was slightly, but significantly, lower on the nedocromil than on the placebo day (4.2 (2.8--6.3) coughs/100 mg vs 6.1 (4.0--9.4) coughs/100 mg, P=0.037). However, when analysed on a constant-dose basis, nedocromil provided no protection for coughing (-1% protection), whereas the protection for bronchoconstriction was clear (55% protection). CONCLUSIONS: Nedocromil strongly attenuates mannitol-induced bronchoconstriction but has a negligible effect on mannitol-provoked cough. Therefore, these responses seem to have different pathways in asthma. Recording of both provoked coughs and induced bronchoconstriction during mannitol challenge may provide supplementary information about a patient's disease.

Adolescent↗

Inhaled corticosteroid for persistent cough following upper respiratory tract infection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical effect of inhaled corticosteroid treatment for persistent cough, post upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in previously healthy individuals, and on bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted at a university hospital. A total of 30 non-asthmatic, non-smoking patients who were >15 years old and who had persistent post-URTI cough for >3 weeks were assessed by a physical examination, CXR and spirometry, and were allocated to receive inhaled budesonide (400 microg/puff, twice daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. If a patient suffered from sinusitis, it was a requirement that it had been well treated. A symptom score (frequency of cough, frequency of coughing bouts, symptoms associated with cough, night-time cough, frequency of taking medications to relieve cough, and number of medications) was recorded at entry, and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. A methacholine challenge test was performed at entry and after 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The mean symptom scores for the treatment group (9.4) and the placebo group (9.8) at baseline were not significantly different (P=0.79), and no differences were found between the groups after week 2 and week 4 of treatment (3.93 and 4.27 vs 2.26 and 2.66, P=0.29). The mean change in symptom scores from baseline to week 2 and to week 4 of treatment were also not different between groups (5.93 and 5.6 vs 7.00 and 7.58, P=0.23). No difference between groups was found in the mean changes in FEV(1), FVC, and FEF(25--75%) after 4 weeks of treatment. A positive bronchial provocation test occurred in three patients (10%) but these were borderline. CONCLUSION: Inhaled corticosteroid is ineffective in treating persistent post-URTI cough in previously healthy individuals.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Serology of Chlamydia pneumoniae in patients with chronic cough.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: Chronic cough is one of the more common respiratory symptoms. Controversy exists as to whether Chlamydia infection is associated with chronic cough. As such, the association of chronic cough with serological evidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. P) infection and a systemic inflammatory marker was assessed. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who visited Kangwon National University Hospital for chronic cough between September 2003 and August 2004 and 37 age-matched healthy controls were evaluated for C. P. antibodies and C-reactive protein. Chronic infection was defined as an IgG or IgA titre between 1:64 and 1:512, and acute infection was defined as IgM=1:16 or IgG titre of=1:512 or IgA=1:512. A nasopharyngeal swab was evaluated for C. P. DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The median duration of cough was 3 months (1-240). Nineteen patients (49%) and 19 controls had titres consistent with chronic infection, and the titre difference was not significant (P=0.592). Nine patients and two controls had titres consistent with acute infection (24.3% vs. 5.4%). Acute infection was significantly more prevalent in the patients with chronic cough (P=0.023). There was no difference in the C-reactive protein value (0.13 vs. 0.14, P=0.84). Three patients were positive for C. P. DNA. CONCLUSION: Acute Chlamydia infection was more prevalent in patients with chronic cough, whereas chronic Chlamydia infection was not. There was no elevation of a systemic inflammatory marker in patients with chronic cough.

Adult↗

A pelvic muscle precontraction can reduce cough-related urine loss in selected women with mild SUI.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that selected older women with mild-to-moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can learn to demonstrate significantly reduced urine loss in 1 week by intentionally contracting the pelvic floor muscles before and during a cough (a skill we have termed "The Knack"). DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, single-blind interventional study. SETTING: The Older American Independence Center, a federally sponsored research program affiliated with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-seven women with a mean (SD) age of 68.0 (5.5) years, self-reported SUI, and demonstrable urine loss during a deep cough. INTERVENTION: Women were randomized to an immediate intervention group (Group I: n=13) who were taught the Knack after their first clinic visit, or a wait-listed control group (Group II: n=14) who were taught the Knack after 1 month. MEASUREMENTS: At 1 week after instruction, we tested the efficacy of the Knack in a standing stress test by (1) comparing the volumes of cough-related urine loss leaked by all subjects, with and without use of the Knack, and (2) comparing the volumes of cough-related urine loss leaked by Group I, using the Knack, with Group II, which had not yet been taught the Knack. RESULTS: Intra-individual results showed that at 1-week follow-up, the Knack was used to reduce urine loss resulting from a medium cough by an average of 98.2%, compared with that of a similar cough performed 1 minute before without the Knack (P=.009); likewise urine loss was reduced by an average of 73.3% (P=.003) in a deep cough. Reduction in urine loss was not significantly correlated with a digital measure of pelvic floor muscle strength. CONCLUSION: Within 1 week, selected older women with mild-to-moderate SUI can acquire the skill of using a properly-timed pelvic floor muscle contraction to significantly reduce urine leakage during a cough.

Aged↗

Bronchial hyperreactivity in patients who cough after receiving angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors cause cough in some patients, but the mechanism of this effect is not known. Six patients in whom these inhibitors had caused cough and a further two patients in whom they were suspected to have caused worsening of bronchial asthma were studied. Nine patients in whom angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors had not been associated with cough served as controls. In the controls lung function and bronchial reactivity were measured once; for the study patients these and the cough index were measured twice before rechallenge for two weeks with an angiotensin enzyme inhibitor and once afterwards. Rechallenge with drug for two weeks caused a significant decrease in the mean concentration of histamine causing a 35% fall in airways conductance and a significant increase in the cough index. Patients with cough showed bronchial hyperactivity compared with the controls, which increased after rechallenge with the inhibitors. Cough associated with converting enzyme inhibitors may be a variant of the cough in asthma.

Adult↗