Cough treatment
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that promising treatments for chronic cough include P2X3 antagonists, speech pathology-based cough suppression, and neuromodulating medications, while the effectiveness of over-the-counter medicines and Maekmoondong-tang (MMDT) remains inconclusive.
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Effective Cough Treatment: Current Research and Emerging Therapies
Introduction to Cough Treatment
Cough is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from acute infections to chronic diseases. Effective management of cough is essential for improving patients' quality of life. This article synthesizes recent research on various treatments for both acute and chronic cough, highlighting emerging therapies and established guidelines.
Chronic Cough Treatment: Emerging Drugs and Therapies
P2X3 Receptor Antagonists
Recent studies have identified P2X3 receptor antagonists, such as gefapixant, as promising treatments for refractory chronic cough (RCC) and unexplained chronic cough (UCC). Gefapixant has shown significant efficacy in reducing cough frequency in patients with RCC and UCC, particularly at a dose of 50 mg twice daily . This class of drugs targets neuronal signaling pathways involved in cough reflex, offering a novel approach for patients who do not respond to traditional therapies.
Gabapentin and Speech Pathology
Gabapentin, a neuromodulating medication, has been supported by clinical trials for its positive effects on cough-related quality of life in patients with UCC . Additionally, speech pathology-based cough suppression techniques have shown efficacy in reducing cough severity, providing a non-pharmacological option for managing chronic cough .
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications for Acute Cough
Efficacy of OTC Medications
The effectiveness of OTC medications for acute cough remains inconclusive. Studies have shown mixed results for various OTC preparations, including antitussives, expectorants, mucolytics, and antihistamine-decongestant combinations . For instance, while some trials indicated benefits of guaifenesin and mucolytics, others found no significant difference compared to placebo . This inconsistency highlights the need for higher-quality evidence to determine the true efficacy of these treatments.
Safety Concerns
OTC medications are widely used due to their accessibility, but their safety, especially in children, is a concern. Some studies suggest that certain OTC cough medications may not be more effective than placebo and could potentially cause harm, particularly in young children . Therefore, caution is advised when recommending these treatments.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Cough
GERD Treatment for Chronic Cough
GERD is a common cause of chronic cough, and its treatment includes dietary modifications, pharmaceutical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. However, the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for cough associated with GERD is not universally supported. Studies have shown that PPIs may not significantly improve cough outcomes in children and adults without primary lung disease. This suggests that GERD treatment should be tailored to individual patient needs, and alternative therapies should be considered when PPIs are ineffective.
Traditional Herbal Medications
Maekmoondong-tang (MMDT)
Maekmoondong-tang (MMDT), a traditional herbal medication, has been used in East Asia to treat cough. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that MMDT could reduce cough severity compared to conventional antitussive medications. However, the evidence is inconsistent, and further rigorously designed trials are needed to establish its efficacy and safety.
Conclusion
The treatment of cough, whether acute or chronic, involves a variety of approaches, from OTC medications to novel pharmacological therapies and non-pharmacological interventions. While emerging drugs like P2X3 receptor antagonists and neuromodulating medications show promise for chronic cough, the effectiveness of OTC medications for acute cough remains uncertain. GERD-related cough requires individualized treatment plans, and traditional herbal medications like MMDT need further validation. Ongoing research and high-quality clinical trials are essential to develop effective and safe cough treatments.
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