Albuterol for treatment of cough
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Albuterol for Acute Cough: Efficacy in Non-Asthmatic Adults and Children
Multiple studies have examined the use of albuterol, a beta-agonist bronchodilator, for treating acute cough in patients without underlying asthma or chronic lung disease. In randomized controlled trials involving both adults and children with acute, nonspecific cough, oral albuterol did not show any significant benefit over placebo in reducing cough severity, duration, or related symptoms such as sleepless nights or return to normal activities. Additionally, patients receiving albuterol reported more side effects, such as shakiness and nervousness, compared to those on placebo 123. These findings suggest that albuterol should not be routinely used for acute cough in otherwise healthy, non-asthmatic individuals.
Albuterol for Cough in Acute Bronchitis
Some research has focused on patients with acute bronchitis, a condition characterized by a productive cough but without chronic lung disease. In these studies, albuterol—administered either orally or via metered-dose inhaler—was associated with a lower likelihood of persistent cough after 7 days compared to placebo or antibiotics like erythromycin. This effect was observed regardless of smoking status or the use of antibiotics, indicating that albuterol may help reduce cough duration in acute bronchitis specifically 67. However, the overall impact on return to work, resumption of normal activities, and general well-being was not significantly different between groups.
Albuterol in Cough Variant Asthma
For children diagnosed with cough variant asthma, a specific type of asthma where cough is the main symptom, albuterol (often combined with ketotifen) has shown higher effectiveness and lower relapse rates compared to other treatments. This suggests that albuterol is beneficial when cough is due to an underlying asthmatic process, rather than a nonspecific or infectious cause .
Albuterol and Cough During Anesthesia Emergence
In the context of anesthesia, albuterol did not reduce the frequency or severity of cough during emergence from isoflurane anesthesia, regardless of patients' smoking status. This indicates that albuterol is not effective for preventing cough in this specific perioperative setting .
Albuterol for Cough in Asthma and COPD
Albuterol remains a key quick-relief medication for managing cough and other symptoms in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In these populations, albuterol provides effective bronchodilation and symptom relief, especially during acute exacerbations or intermittent symptoms .
Conclusion
Albuterol is not effective for treating acute, nonspecific cough in non-asthmatic adults or children and may cause unwanted side effects. However, it may reduce cough duration in acute bronchitis and is effective for cough associated with asthma or cough variant asthma. Its use should be targeted to patients with underlying airway diseases rather than as a general remedy for acute cough.
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