The relationship between cough reflex sensitivity and exacerbation frequency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Cho, Peter S. P.
Fletcher, Hannah V.
Turner, Richard D.
Patel, Irem S.
Jolley, Caroline J.
Birring, Surinder S.
Check for full-text access
Issue Date
2020
Type
Article
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cough is predictive of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Little is known about cough reflex sensitivity during exacerbation of COPD and whether it is associated with exacerbation frequency. This pilot study aimed to investigate cough reflex sensitivity during and following recovery from exacerbation of COPD, and its association with the frequency of future exacerbations. In addition, the repeatability of cough reflex sensitivity in stable COPD was investigated. METHODS: Twenty participants hospitalised with exacerbation of COPD underwent inhaled capsaicin challenge during exacerbation and after 6 weeks of recovery. The frequency of future exacerbations was monitored for 12 months. The repeatability of cough reflex sensitivity was assessed in separate participants with stable COPD, who underwent 2 capsaicin challenge tests, 6 weeks apart. RESULTS: Cough reflex sensitivity was heightened during exacerbation of COPD. Geometric mean (SD) capsaicin concentration thresholds to elicit 5 coughs (C5) during exacerbation and after 6 weeks of recovery were 1.76 (3.73) vs. 8.09 (6.25) μmol L CONCLUSION: Cough reflex sensitivity is heightened during exacerbation of COPD and reduces after recovery. The persistence of cough reflex hypersensitivity at recovery was associated with the frequency of future exacerbations.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Journal
Lung
Volume
198
Issue
4