Bronchial hyperreactivity and cough due to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor induced cough compared with placebo, and other antihypertensives: A systematic review, and network meta-analysis

Studies have shown that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are superior in primary and secondary prevention for cardiac mortality and morbidity to angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs). One of the common side effects from ACEI is dry cough. The aims of this systematic review, and network meta-analysis are to rank the risk of cough induced by different ACEIs and between ACEI and placebo, ARB or calcium channel blockers (CCB). We performed a systematic review, and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to rank the risk of cough induced by each ACEI and between ACEI and placebo, ARB or CCB. A total of 135 RCTs with 45,420 patients treated with eleven ACEIs were included in the analyses. The pooled estimated relative risk (RR) between ACEI and placebo was 2.21 (95% CI: 2.05-2.39). ACEI had more incidences of cough than ARB (RR 3.2; 95% CI: 2.91, 3.51), and pooled estimated of RR between ACEI and CCB was 5.30 (95% CI: 4.32-6.50) Moexipril ranked as number one for inducing cough (SUCRA 80.4%) and spirapril ranked the least (SUCRA 12.3%). The order for the rest of the ACEIs are as follows: ramipril (SUCRA 76.4%), fosinopril (SUCRA 72.5%), lisinopril (SUCRA 64.7%), benazepril (SUCRA 58.6%), quinapril (SUCRA 56.5%), perindopril (SUCRA 54.1%), enalapril (SUCRA 49.7%), trandolapril (SUCRA 44.6%) and, captopril (SUCRA 13.7%). All ACEI has the similar risk of developing a cough. ACEI should be avoided in patients who have risk of developing cough, and an ARB or CCB is an alternative based on the patient's comorbidity.

Pathophysiology of cough with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: How to explain within-class differences?

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) have consistently demonstrated improved survival and reduced risk of major cardiovascular events, across the spectrum of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. The cardioprotective effects of ACEi result from inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, and inhibition of bradykinin degradation. They are generally well tolerated but may cause the onset of a dry cough in some patients. This review presents current evidence on the incidence and mechanisms of cough associated with ACEi use, and then considers how to manage ACEi-related cough in clinical practice. The incidence of ACEi-induced cough in the published literature varies widely due to heterogeneity in the source data and lack of adequate controls. Incidence also varies among individual ACEi with agents such as perindopril, which has a high tissue ACE affinity, associated with a lower rate of cough. Evidence from real-world studies shows that the incidence of ACEi-associated cough is lower than rates reported in clinical trials. Patients who experience any dry cough are often switched to angiotensin- receptor blockers or other classes of antihypertensive drugs, regardless of cough severity. To avoid inappropriate discontinuation of ACEi in clinical practice, an alternative approach in patients with persistent cough is to perform a challenge/re-challenge to determine if re-introduction of ACEi is associated with recurrence of symptoms. Incidence of cough should not be considered a class effect for ACEi, and the patient may benefit by a switch from one ACEi to another. Every effort should be made to enable patients to continue ACEi therapy to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes and improve survival.

Cardiovascular Medication Use and Risk of Acute Exacerbation in Patients With Asthma-COPD Overlap (CVACO Study)

PURPOSE

Current clinical guidelines are unclear regarding the association of cardiovascular medication with the risk of acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study by interrogating the claims database of Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Patients with coexistent fixed airflow limitation and asthma were enrolled as an ACO cohort between 2009 and 2017. Exposure to cardiovascular medications, including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), non-selective beta-blockers, cardioselective beta-blockers, dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and non-DHP CCBs, in 3-month period each served as time-dependent covariates. Patients receiving a cardiovascular medication ≥ 28 cumulative daily doses were defined as respective cardiovascular medication users. Patients were followed up until December 31, 2018. The primary endpoint was severe AE, defined as hospitalization or emergency department visit for either asthma, COPD, or respiratory failure. The secondary outcome was moderate AE.

RESULTS

The final study cohort consisted of 582 ACO subjects, with a mean follow-up period of 2.98 years. After adjustment, ARB (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.93, P = 0.019), cardioselective beta-blocker (HR, 0.29, 95% CI, 0.11-0.72, P = 0.008) and DHP CCB (HR, 0.66, 95% CI, 0.45-0.97, P = 0.035) therapies were associated with lower risks of severe AE. ARB (HR, 0.42, 95% CI, 0.30-0.62, P < 0.001) and DHP CCB (HR, 0.55, 95% CI, 0.38-0.80, P = 0.002) therapies were associated with lower risks of moderate AE. Cardioselective beta-blockers, ARBs, and DHP CCBs were associated with lower risks of severe AE in frequent exacerbators. ACEI, non-selective beta-blocker, or non-DHP CCB use did not change the risk of severe AE.

CONCLUSIONS

ARB, cardioselective beta-blocker, and DHP CCB therapies may lower the risk of AE in patients with ACO.

Drug-Induced Cough

Since the recognition of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)-induced cough, drug has been considered as a potential cause of chronic cough. This review presents recent knowledge on drug-induced coughs in patients with chronic cough. The focus is placed on ACEIs, for which there are a multitude of studies documenting their associations with cough. Additional drugs are discussed for which there are reports of cough as a side effect of treatment, and the potential mechanisms of these effects are discussed.

ACEI-induced cough: A review of current evidence and its practical implications for optimal CV risk reduction

Cough is one of the common adverse effects in patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). This review presents the current evidence on incidence and mechanisms of cough associated with ACEIs use, and proposes a practical approach for managing the same for optimal cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction. The incidence of dry cough in patients receiving ACEIs vary among individual ACEIs, and is the lowest with perindopril. Cough is thought to originate from multiple mechanisms, bradykinin theory is the most commonly appealed hypothesis. The strategies for optimal management could be temporarily discontinuation of ACEI upon a reported incidence of cough and reintroduction after its remission. However, studies have reported disappearance of cough despite continuing treatment. Another important approach could be adding calcium channel blockers to ACEIs. Switching to alternative drugs such as angiotensin receptor blockers should be suggested in case intolerable symptoms recur and after exclusion of all other possible causes of cough.

The presence of underlying asthma should be investigated in patients diagnosed with ACE inhibitor induced cough

INTRODUCTION

Why do only some of patients who are prescribed angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) develop cough? The pathogenesis of ACE-I-induced cough remains controversial and requires further studies.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to investigate whether asthma is a contributing cause of ACE-I-induced cough.

METHODS

Patients attending a cardiology clinic between March 2016 and March 2017 who were diagnosed with ACE-I induced cough were included in this study. ACE-I-induced cough was defined as cough which developed within 4 weeks after initiation of ACE-I therapy and which improved within 4 weeks after discontinuation of the ACE-I. Patients who had received ACE-I treatment for at least 6 months without side effects were included in the study as a control group. Face-to-face questionnaires, pulmonary function tests (PFT) and skin prick tests were applied to all the patients. If there was discordance between asthma history and PFT results, a methacholine bronchial provocation test (BPT) was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients with ACE-I induce cough were compared with 50 controls. Bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), rhinitis, atopy and family history of asthma were more frequent in patients with ACE-I induced cough (P < .001). Patients with ACE-I-induced cough had significantly higher incidence of diagnosed asthma [OR = 8.28 (95%CI: 3.26-21.03) P < .001].

CONCLUSIONS

Asthma and an atopic background constitute a substantial risk factor for ACE-I induced cough. The presence of underlying asthma should be investigated in patients diagnosed with ACE inhibitor induced cough. However, the fact that most asthma patients tolerate ACE-I therapy, indicates that other cofactors are likely involved.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors Induce Cough

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) are widely used in diseases, such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction. Although these drugs are well tolerated, one out of five patients discontinues ACE-I due to drug side effects, mainly chronic cough. However, the pathogenesis of ACE-I-induced cough remains controversial and requires further study. In this review, the mechanisms that are suggested in ACE-I-induced cough pathophysiology will be discussed in detail in light of the current literature.

Trends in Length of Hospital Stay and the Impact on Prognosis of Early Discharge After a First Uncomplicated Acute Myocardial Infarction

Few studies have examined recent trends in the length of stay (LOS) among patients hospitalized with a first uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the impact of early hospital discharge on various short-term outcomes in these low-risk patients. We used data from 1,501 residents hospitalized with a first uncomplicated AMI from all central Massachusetts medical centers on a biennial basis between 2001 and 2011. The association between hospital LOS and subsequent hospital readmission or death was examined using logistic regression modeling. The average age of the study population was 63.7 years, 63.0% were men, and 91.4% were non-Hispanic whites. The average hospital LOS declined from 4.1 days in 2001 to 2.9 days in 2011. During the years under study, the average 30-day hospital readmission rate was 11.9%, whereas the 30- and 90-day death rates were 1.5% and 2.9%, respectively. The multivariable adjusted odds ratio of a 30-day hospital readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52 to 1.41), or 30-day (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.29 to 2.98) and 90-day (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.36 to 2.20) death rates were not significantly different between patients who were discharged from central Massachusetts medical centers during the first 2 days as compared with those discharged thereafter. In conclusion, the average LOS in patients with a first uncomplicated AMI declined during the years under study, and early discharge from the hospital at day 2 or sooner of these low-risk patients does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of adverse events post discharge compared with those discharged at a later time.

[Medical therapy of heart and lung diseases. Effects on the respective other organ]

Many patients suffer from both heart and lung diseases. The choice of medical drugs should not only be driven by the clinical and prognostic effects on the target organ but should also be selected based on the effects on the respective other organ. Beta blockers and statins have both beneficial and harmful effects on the respiratory system. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and amiodarone can cause severe lung damage. Low-dose thiazides and calcium antagonists are first-line medications in hypertensive asthma patients but beta blockers should be avoided. Theophyline should be used with caution in patients with known cardiac disease. Glucocorticosteroids can cause cardiovascular symptoms while the phosphodiesterase inhibitor roflumilast appears to have no relevant cardiovascular side effects. Anticholinergic drugs have both favorable and unfavorable cardiovascular (side) effects. Short-acting beta-2 sympathomimetic drugs (SABA) and macrolides in particular can trigger arrhythmia and some SABAs are associated with a higher incidence of myocardial infarction. Detailed knowledge of the effects of drugs used for the treatment of lung and heart diseases on the respective other organ and the associated complications and long-term effects are essential in providing optimal medical care to the many patients who present with both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Treatment of ACE inhibitor-induced cough

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely administered to treat numerous medical conditions. Although they are generally well tolerated, they are associated with a dry cough that can lead to discontinuation of treatment. Data concerning the frequency, onset, and clinical effects vary among the agents. When discontinuing the ACE inhibitor is not an ideal option, pharmacologic treatment of the cough may be considered, such as cromolyn, baclofen, theophylline, sulindac, and local anesthetics.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can potentiate ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness

We investigated the effects of single and chronic oral administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs. Ozone exposure (3 ppm for 2 h) significantly increased airway responsiveness in vehicle-treated animals and in animals with either single or chronic administration (8 days) of drugs. Single administration of imidapril, enalapril and captopril significantly potentiated ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness at a dose of 100, 50 and 50 mg/kg, respectively, although these doses did not influence airway responsiveness in normal guinea pigs, i.e., the magnitude of potentiation was captopril > enalapril > imidapril. In the study of chronic administration of the drugs, imidapril (10-100 mg/kg per day) had no influence on airway responsiveness in both normal and ozone-treated animals. In contrast, captopril and enalapril (10-100 mg/kg per day) dose-dependently potentiated ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness, with no influence on airway responsiveness in normal animals. That is, the magnitude was enalapril > captopril. These results indicate that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors potentiate airway responsiveness in ozone-treated guinea pigs but not in normal guinea pigs and that imidapril is less potent than enalapril and captopril in potentiating ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs.

ACE inhibitor-induced cough and bronchospasm. Incidence, mechanisms and management

A dry, tickly and often bothersome cough is the most common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Recent studies indicate that cough may develop in around 10% of the patients treated with ACE inhibitors. In half of these patients, the ACE inhibitor has to be discontinued. Cough has emerged as a class effect occurring with all ACE inhibitors with no clear difference between the single substances. While ACE inhibition is safe in the vast majority of patients with obstructive airways disease, asthmatic symptoms or exacerbation of asthma as well as a rise in bronchial reactivity have been occasionally reported. ACE inhibition increases the cough reflex. The mechanisms underlying ACE inhibitor-induced cough are probably linked to suppression of kininase II activity, which may be followed by an accumulation of kinins, substance P and prostaglandins. Physicians should be aware that a dry cough is the most common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors and that this symptom may occur not necessarily shortly after institution of therapy but months or even a year later. Replacement by another ACE inhibitor should not be tried, since the cough will almost always recur on rechallenge with the same or another ACE inhibitor. After withdrawal of the ACE inhibitor, which is the treatment of choice, cough will resolve usually within a few days.

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on bronchial responsiveness

The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on bronchial responsiveness has not been clearly established. Because ACE degrades bradykinin and substance P, inhibition of the enzyme may lead to accumulation of these potent bronchoconstrictors in the lung, potentially leading to enhanced bronchial reactivity or bronchospasm. Previous studies of the effect of ACE inhibition on airway responsiveness have yielded conflicting results. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effect of a 14-day course of oral lisinopril (10 mg for days 1-3, 20 mg for days 4-14) on bronchial responsiveness to inhaled methacholine in a group of healthy volunteers. No significant change in methacholine responsiveness occurred in any of the participants receiving lisinopril. The mean ( +/- SD) concentration of methacholine producing a decrease in FEV1 of 20% from baseline (PC20; mg/mL) was 23.3 +/- 5.0 before the study and 23.5 +/- 4.5 at the end of the study for the lisinopril group, and 23.0 +/- 4.6 before the study and 21.8 +/- 6.9 after the study for the placebo group. The 14-day course of ACE inhibitor therapy did not enhance nonspecific bronchial responsiveness in healthy volunteers.

Cough due to ACE inhibitors: a case-control study using automated general practice data

OBJECTIVES

To determine the risk of coughing as an adverse reaction to ACE inhibitors under everyday circumstances in a large population, and to study whether this adverse effect was duration or dose dependent.

DESIGN

A population-based case-control study.

SETTING

Ten general practices of 14 Dutch general practitioners (GP), in which all consultations, morbidity and medical interventions, including drugs prescribed, were registered over the 18 month period from 1st September, 1992 to 1st March, 1994.

SUBJECTS

1458 patients with incident coughing and up to four controls per case were obtained (total 4182 controls), matched for GP. All cases and controls were 20 years or older and had no record of respiratory infection, influenza, tuberculosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, congestive heart failure, sinusitis, laryngitis, haemoptysis or respiratory neoplasms during the study period.

RESULTS

Cases were 2.1-times more likely than controls to have been exposed to ACE inhibitors (95% CI 1.5-3.1), but after adjustment the odds ratio was 1.4 (95% CI 0.9-2.1). The crude odds ratio for captopril was 1.3 (95% CI 0.7-2.5), for enalapril 2.6 (95% CI 1.6-4.2) and for lisinopril 2.0 (95% CI 0.5-9.3). The adjusted odds ratio for captopril was 0.9 (95% CI 0.4-1.7), for enalapril 1.7 (95% CI 1.03-2.8) and for lisinopril 1.7 (95% CI 0.4-7.9). For patients who had been on ACE inhibitor treatment for no longer than 2 months the odds ratio was 4.8 (95% CI 1.7-13.3). The odds ratio declined to 2.0 (95% CI 1.1-3.8) for those who had taken an ACE inhibitor for 2-6 months, and to 1.6 (95% CI 0.9-2.7) for those on ACE-inhibitors for more than 6 months.

CONCLUSION

The risk of coughing was increased twofold among ACE inhibitor users, but the odds ratios were no longer significant after controlling for several confounding factors. The risk of developing cough due to ACE-inhibitors declines with the duration of treatment, possibly due to depletion of susceptible persons.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor associated cough: a population-based case-control study

The objectives of this study were to determine the risk for coughing as an adverse reaction to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors under everyday circumstances in a large population and to study whether this adverse effect is more common in women. A population-based case-control study was used. The study was set in the practices of 161 Dutch general practitioners (GPs), in which all consultations, morbidity, mortality, medical interventions and prescriptions were registered during 4 consecutive 3-month periods in 4 consecutive groups of 40-41 GPs. The subjects were 2436 patients with incident coughing and up to 3 controls per case were obtained (total group: 7348 controls), matched for GP and a contemporary consultation in the same 3 months. All cases and controls were 20 years or older and had no notification of respiratory infections, influenza, tuberculosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, congestive heart failure, sinusitis, laryngitis, haemoptysis or respiratory neoplasms during the 3-month period. The results showed that cases were 3.6 times as likely as controls to have been exposed to ACE inhibitors (95% CI: 2.4-5.5) but after adjustment for potential confounders the odds ratio was 2.5 (95% CI: 1.6-3.9). The crude odds ratio for males was 2.7 (95% CI: 1.4-5.1) and for females 4.2 (95% CI: 2.4-7.5). The adjusted odds ratio for males was 1.8 (95% CI: 0.9-3.5) and for females 2.7 (95% CI: 1.5-4.8).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nebulized lidocaine in the treatment of refractory cough

A 52-year-old man with intractable cough refractory to standard therapy was treated successfully with chronic nebulized lidocaine. He has experienced no adverse effects from the lidocaine except for occasional mild dysphonia. Measured serum levels of lidocaine after treatment have never exceeded 4.0 mg/dl. This case shows prolonged therapy with nebulized lidocaine is a safe and effective treatment for refractory cough.

Dyspnoea, asthma, and bronchospasm in relation to treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the occurrence of asthma and dyspnoea precipitated or worsened by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

DESIGN

Summary of reports of adverse respiratory reaction in relation to treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors that were submitted to Swedish Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee and to World Health Organisation's international drug information system until 1992. Sales of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in Sweden were also summarised.

SUBJECTS

Patients receiving angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors who reported adverse respiratory reactions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical characteristics of adverse reactions of asthma, bronchospasm, and dyspnoea.

RESULTS

In Sweden 424 adverse respiratory reactions were reported, of which most (374) were coughing. However, 36 patients had adverse drug reactions diagnosed as asthma, bronchospasm, or dyspnoea. In 33 of these cases the indication for treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors was hypertension, in only three heart failure. The respiratory symptoms occurred in about half of the patients within the first two weeks of treatment, and about one third needed hospitalisation or drug treatment. Dyspnoea symptoms occurred in conjunction with other symptoms from the airways or skin in 23 out of the 36 cases. In the WHO database there were 318 reports of asthma or bronchospasm, 516 reports of dyspnoea, and 7260 reports of cough in relation to 11 different angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of airway obstruction in relation to treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors seem to be a rare but potentially serious reaction generally occurring within the first few weeks of treatment.

Cough induced activity of spirapril in rats

1. We examined the effect of spirapril, a potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, on the number of capsaicin-induced coughs in rats and compared with that of enalapril. 2. Chronic treatment with enalapril, at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o., significantly and dose-dependently enhanced the number of capsaicin-induced coughs. 3. Chronic treatment with higher dose of spirapril (3 mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly enhanced the number of capsaicin-induced coughs. However, lower dose (1 mg/kg, p.o.) of spirapril had no significant effect on the number of capsaicin-induced coughs. 4. These results suggest that cough induced activity, one of the most serious side effects associated with chronic treatment with ACE inhibitors, of spirapril is relatively lower than that of enalapril.

Enalapril-induced cough in the emergency department

A case of enalapril-induced cough is reported. In the Emergency Department, the patient initially was misdiagnosed with bronchial asthma and, later, with early congestive heart failure, despite normal physical examination and investigations. The cough subsided within 5 days of cessation of enalapril. It is important to recognize this side effect in patients taking enalapril.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with bronchial responsiveness and asthma

Twenty-one subjects with known bronchial hyperreactivity were prospectively randomized in double-blind fashion to receive one of two angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I), enalapril or spirapril, for three weeks. Spirometry and methacholine provocation were performed prior to, during, and following ACE-I usage. Three of 21 subjects developed a nonproductive cough. However, only one subject wheezed slightly. Spirometry and bronchial reactivity (PD20) were unchanged throughout the study.

Enalapril. A reappraisal of its pharmacology and therapeutic use in hypertension

Enalapril, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor usually administered orally once daily, decreases blood pressure by lowering peripheral vascular resistance without increasing heart rate or output. It is effective in lowering blood pressure in all grades of essential and renovascular hypertension. Patients not responding adequately to enalapril monotherapy usually respond with the addition of a thiazide diuretic (or a calcium antagonist or beta-blocker), and rarely require a third antihypertensive agent. Enalapril is at least as effective as other established and newer ACE inhibitors, and members of other antihypertensive drug classes including diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium antagonists and alpha-blockers, but therapy with enalapril may be less frequently limited by serious adverse effects or treatment contraindications than with other drug classes. The most frequent adverse effect limiting all ACE inhibitor therapy in clinical practice is cough. This favourable profile of efficacy and tolerability, and the substantial weight of clinical experience, explain the increasing acceptance of enalapril as a major antihypertensive treatment and supports its use as logical first-line therapeutic option.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and cough. Prevalence in an outpatient medical clinic population

To determine the frequency of ACE inhibitor cough in an outpatient medical clinic population, a cross-sectional epidemiologic survey using mailed questionnaires was done. Patients were randomly selected from a computerized hospital pharmacy data base. The overall prevalence of cough was 19 percent in the ACE inhibitor groups compared with 9 percent in the hydrochlorothiazide-treated group. The observed odds ratio for cough among ACE inhibitor users was 2.3 (95 percent CI, 1.02 to 5.00). This study is the first systematic investigation of frequency and characteristics of ACE inhibitor cough that includes a control group. Our results suggest that cough may more frequently accompany treatment with ACE inhibitors than has been previously reported. We recommend that physicians specifically inquire about cough in patients taking an ACE inhibitor. Recognition of this side effect may prevent unnecessary testing and treatment of patients receiving ACE inhibitors.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and their influence on inflammation, bronchial reactivity and cough. A research review

Synthetic orally active angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been successfully used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and hypertension, particularly in hypertensive subjects with increased renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system activity. Adverse skin reactions, angioneurotic oedema and rapidly decreasing lung function in asthmatics have been reported following medication with ACE inhibitors. Furthermore, these drugs have been associated with a persistent dry cough in subjects without previous known bronchial hyper-reactivity. There is reason to believe that an ACE inhibitor-induced cough is due to an increased inflammatory state in the airways of susceptible individuals, and that this cough might thereby have pathophysiological features in common with the cough seen as an early symptom of asthma. All inflammatory responses, wheal and flare reactions, infiltration of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes were enhanced by ACE inhibitors. A dose-response relationship for the proinflammatory effect of the ACE inhibitor has been demonstrated.