Can albuterol make cough worse
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Can Albuterol Make Cough Worse?
Albuterol and Acute Cough in Non-Asthmatic Children
Research indicates that albuterol does not effectively reduce the frequency or duration of acute cough in non-asthmatic children. In a study involving 59 non-asthmatic children with acute cough, those treated with oral albuterol did not experience a significant reduction in cough compared to those given a placebo. However, the albuterol group did report more side effects such as shaking or trembling 16.
Albuterol and Acute Cough in Adults
Similarly, in adults with acute cough, albuterol has not shown significant benefits. A randomized controlled trial with 104 adults found no difference in cough severity, reduction in sleepless nights, or return to full activity between those treated with albuterol and those given a placebo. The albuterol group did report more side effects, including shakiness and nervousness .
Albuterol and Cough in COPD Patients
In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), albuterol has been found to reduce the incidence of wheezing and recurrent cough during the perioperative period. A study involving 120 smoking patients with COPD showed that those treated with albuterol spray had fewer instances of wheezing and recurrent cough compared to those given a placebo .
Albuterol and Cough During Anesthesia Emergence
Albuterol does not appear to affect the frequency or amplitude of cough during emergence from anesthesia. A study involving 68 patients found that the incidence of cough did not differ between those treated with albuterol and those given a placebo. This suggests that albuterol does not prevent cough during the emergence from anesthesia .
Albuterol and Persistent Cough in Asthma
In cases of persistent cough associated with asthma, albuterol may provide some relief, although it is not always effective. For instance, a case study of a 3-year-old female with persistent nonproductive cough showed that albuterol helped somewhat but not consistently . Another study indicated that pretreatment with albuterol could attenuate cough and wheezing caused by beclomethasone aerosol in asthmatic patients .
Conclusion
Overall, while albuterol is effective in reducing wheezing and recurrent cough in COPD patients, it does not significantly reduce acute cough in non-asthmatic children or adults. Additionally, it does not prevent cough during anesthesia emergence. In asthmatic patients, albuterol may help with persistent cough, but its effectiveness can vary. Therefore, while albuterol can be beneficial in specific contexts, it is not universally effective for all types of cough and may sometimes lead to side effects such as shaking and nervousness.
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