Drug-induced cough

Very low urgency
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Dry, persistent cough caused as a side effect of medication, usually ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers.

It usually occurs during the first 6 weeks of treatment and usually presents as coughing fits both day and night.

The diagnosis is clinical, ruling out other causes and confirming the use of the medication.

It disappears when the drug is stopped or changed, always under medical supervision.

Bibliographic references
  • Irwin RS, Baumann MH, Bolser DC, Boulet LP, Braman SS, Brightling CE, et al; American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP). Diagnosis and management of cough executive summary: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest 2006;129:1S-23S.
  • Chung KF, Pavord ID. Prevalence, pathogenesis, and causes of chronic cough. Lancet 2008;371:1364-74.
  • Irwin RS, Madison JM. The diagnosis and treatment of cough. N Engl J Med 2000;343:1715-21.
  • Morice AH, Kastelik JA. Cough. 1: Chronic cough in adults. Thorax 2003;58:901-7.
  • López-Sendón J, Swedberg K, McMurray J, Tamargo J, Maggioni AP, Dargie H, et al. Expert consensus document on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in cardiovascular disease. The Task Force on ACE-inhibitors of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J 2004;25:1454-70.
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Symptoms

    Cough


    Dry cough


    Coughing at night


    Vomiting caused by coughing

Symptoms to watch out for

A feeling of shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Cough alongside blood or pus
Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
History of a severe lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Self-care

Discontinue recently initiated medication.
Inhale steam to keep the throat moist twice a day.
Maintain hydration of 2 litres per day.