Is albuterol good for cough
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The Efficacy of Albuterol for Treating Cough
Introduction to Albuterol and Cough Treatment
Albuterol, a beta-agonist bronchodilator, is commonly used to treat conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its effectiveness in treating acute cough, particularly in non-asthmatic individuals, has been a subject of research. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to determine whether albuterol is beneficial for treating cough.
Albuterol for Acute Cough in Non-Asthmatic Children
Research indicates that oral albuterol is not effective in reducing the frequency or duration of acute cough in non-asthmatic children. A study involving 59 children showed no significant difference in cough resolution between those treated with albuterol and those given a placebo. However, children treated with albuterol experienced more side effects such as shaking or trembling .
Albuterol for Acute Cough in Adults
Similarly, a randomized controlled trial involving 104 adults with acute cough found no significant difference in cough severity, reduction in sleepless nights, or return to full activity between those treated with oral albuterol and those given a placebo. The study also reported higher incidences of side effects like shakiness and nervousness in the albuterol group.
Albuterol for Acute Bronchitis
In contrast, albuterol appears to be more effective for treating cough associated with acute bronchitis. Studies have shown that patients with acute bronchitis treated with albuterol delivered by a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) were less likely to be coughing after 7 days compared to those using a placebo inhaler. Another study comparing albuterol with erythromycin found that albuterol was more effective in reducing cough symptoms in patients with acute bronchitis, regardless of smoking status.
Albuterol for Cough Variant Asthma
For children with cough variant asthma, a combination of albuterol sulphate and ketotifen has shown better efficacy and lower relapse rates compared to other treatments. This suggests that albuterol can be beneficial in specific conditions like cough variant asthma.
Albuterol in COPD Patients
In patients with COPD, albuterol spray has been found to reduce the incidence of wheezing and recurrent cough during the perioperative period. This indicates that albuterol can be useful in managing cough in COPD patients, particularly in a surgical setting.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of albuterol for treating cough varies depending on the underlying condition. While it is not effective for acute cough in non-asthmatic children and adults, it shows promise in treating cough associated with acute bronchitis and cough variant asthma. Additionally, it can be beneficial for managing cough in COPD patients. However, the potential side effects of albuterol, such as shakiness and nervousness, should be considered when prescribing it for cough treatment.
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