Cough Efficacy Research Articles

Pulmonary Physical Therapy Techniques to Enhance Survival in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

Respiratory insufficiency is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although mechanical interventions are effective in prolonging survival through respiratory support, pulmonary physical therapy interventions are being investigated. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of pulmonary physical therapy interventions across the progressive stages of ALS. Six databases were searched for articles from inception to December 2014 investigating pulmonary physical therapy interventions in the ALS population. The search strategy followed Cochrane Collaboration guidelines with replication per database. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated for primary outcome measures: forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak cough expiratory flow (PCEF). Seven studies met inclusion criteria. Four studies used control groups whereas the remainder used repeated measures. With the exception of diaphragmatic breathing, pulmonary physical therapy interventions were effective in improving multiple respiratory outcome measures in this population. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) was shown to prolong respiratory muscle strength with a strong effect size (ES = 1.48) for FVC. In addition, mean length of survival increased by 12 months. Lung volume recruitment training (LVRT) strongly enhanced immediate cough efficacy with improved FVC (ES = 1.02) and PCEF (ES = 1.82). Manually assisted cough (MAC) only improved PCEF by a small amount (ES = 0.15, bulbar ALS; ES = 0.16, classical ALS groups). Specific pulmonary physical therapy interventions (IMT, LVRT, and MAC) have effectiveness in improving respiratory outcome measures and increasing survival. These should be routinely incorporated into the comprehensive management of individuals with ALS. More rigorous methodological investigations should be performed to replicate these findings.Video abstract available with brief technique demonstration of IMT and LVRT (see Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A136).

Laryngeal response patterns influence the efficacy of mechanical assisted cough in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

BackgroundMost patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are treated with mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E) in order to improve cough. This method often fails in ALS with bulbar involvement, allegedly due to...

Assessment and monitoring of ventilatory function and cough efficacy in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Assessing and monitoring respiratory muscle function is crucial in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, since impaired function can lead to either ventilatory failure or respiratory tract infection. Spirometry, diffusing capacity of the lung, breathing pattern, sleep study, blood gas analysis and respiratory muscle strength tests, as well as cough peak flow and cough expiratory volume measurements can provide relevant information on ventilatory function and cough efficacy. With regard to respiratory muscle strength testing, the rational approach consists in starting with volitional and non-invasive tests and later using invasive and non-volitional tests. This review focuses on both ventilatory and respiratory muscle strength testing, in order to undertake a timely treatment of respiratory failure and/or impaired cough efficacy. So far, the current literature has not highlighted any gold standard which stipulates when to commence ventilation and cough support in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. A composite set of clinical and functional parameters is required for treatment scheduling to monitor lung involvement and follow-up in these patients.

Over-the-Counter Medications: Update on Cough and Cold Preparations.

1. Jennifer A. Lowry, MD* 2. J. Steven Leeder, PharmD, PhD† 1. *Section of Clinical Toxicology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovations, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri – School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO. 2. †Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovations, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO. Although there are benefits to the availability of over-the-counter products (eg, rapid access to effective medications, decreased utilization of the health care system, and patient autonomy), there also are risks to their use that clinicians should know and discuss with their patients and families. These include delay in seeking advice from a health care professional, increased drug-drug interactions, potential for misuse and abuse, and increased adverse effects when not used properly. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Recognize that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold preparations have not been adequately studied in children younger than 6 years of age and that they are not recommended for treating the common cold. 2. Recognize the systemic effects of oral decongestants and antihistamines in infants and young children. 3. Recognize the signs and symptoms of acetaminophen and aspirin toxicity and know the management of overdose of these agents. 4. Be aware of potentially harmful additives in OTC medications. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely marketed and frequently used to treat most health problems in adults and children. The use of symptomatic treatments, such as OTC medications for the common cold, is controversial. Children often receive analgesics, decongestants, antihistamines, expectorants, and cough suppressants during the course of their illnesses. However, these OTC products have not been proven to be safe and effective in young children. In addition, their common use puts children at risk for poisonings. Published data show no efficacy (no benefit) of OTC cough and cold preparations when compared to placebo for most ingredients in these products. After much review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued …

Use of mechanical airway clearance devices in the home by people with neuromuscular disorders: effects on health service use and lifestyle benefits.

BackgroundPeople with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) exhibit weak coughs and are susceptible to recurrent chest infections and acute respiratory complications, the most frequent reasons for their unplanned hospital admissions. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) devices are a non-invasive method of increasing peak cough flow, improving cough efficacy, the clearance of secretion and overcoming atelectasis. There is limited published evidence on the impact of home use MI-E devices on health service utilisation. The aims of the study were: to assess the self-reported health and lifestyle benefits experienced as a result of home use of MI-E devices; and evaluate the effects of in-home use of MI-E devices on Emergency Department (ED) presentations, hospital admissions and inpatient length of stay (LOS).MethodsIndividuals with NMD who were accessing a home MI-E device provided through Muscular Dystrophy Western Australia were invited to participate in a quantitative survey to obtain information on their experiences and self-assessed changes in respiratory health. An ad-hoc record linkage was performed to extract hospital, ED and mortality data from the Western Australian Department of Health (DOHWA). The main outcome measures were ED presentations, hospital separations and LOS, before and after commencement of home use of an MI-E device.ResultsThirty seven individuals with NMD using a MI-E device at home consented to participate in this study. The majority (73%) of participants reported using the MI-E device daily or weekly at home without medical assistance and 32% had used the machine to resolve a choking episode. The survey highlighted benefits to respiratory function maintenance and the ability to manage increased health care needs at home. Not using a home MI-E device was associated with an increased risk of ED presentations (RR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.1-2.84). The number of hospital separations and LOS reduced after the use of MI-E device, but not significantly. No deaths were observed in participants using the MI-E device at home.ConclusionsHome use of a MI-E device by people living with NMD may have a potential impact on reducing their health service utilisation and risk of death. Future research with greater subject numbers and longer follow-up periods is recommended to enhance this field of study.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-015-0267-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Bench Comparative Assessment of Mechanically Assisted Cough Devices

Mechanically assisted cough devices are used in patients with impaired cough to avoid secretion accumulation. We compared 5 mechanically assisted cough devices by bench testing using a breathing simulator and assessed their user-friendliness. We measured inspiratory and expiratory airway pressures and peak expiratory flow, the strongest indicator of cough efficacy. We performed 2 bench tests: 1) to ascertain the differences between preset and actual settings in 3 different machines of each mechanically assisted cough device and 2) to assess the effects of varying respiratory impedance and air leaks on performance of the devices. We also evaluated the user-friendliness of the devices by measuring the time required and errors in accomplishing 4 tasks by 10 physicians unfamiliar with mechanically assisted cough devices compared with product specialists from the distributing companies. Physicians also scored the ease of use. Four mechanically assisted cough devices during insufflation and all 5 during exsufflation showed differences between preset and actual airway pressures. All but one device showed uneven actual pressure values between models of the same type. Peak expiratory flow was significantly influenced by the mechanical properties in 2 devices and by air leaks in 4 devices. The median time to accomplish all tasks by the product specialist (10 [interquartile range of 2-29] s) was overall significantly shorter compared with all physicians (from 19 [14-65] to 36 [19-116] s). The number of procedural errors, but not the perceived ease of use, differed significantly between the devices. The performance of different mechanically assisted cough devices was erratic and included variance between models from the same manufacturer; it was affected by respiratory system impedance and air leaks. Time and rate of errors for performing procedures were elevated. These findings indicate that the devices are not interchangeable and that the settings should be targeted for each patient with the specific machine being used. Improvements in reliability, performance, and user-friendliness are advisable.

Cough impairment and risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after open upper abdominal surgery.

Cough impairment is often described as part of the pathophysiological basis of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). However, there have been few studies examining cough effectiveness and its relationship with PPCs following open upper abdominal surgery. The goal of this study was to estimate (1) changes in cough efficacy after upper abdominal surgery through the assessment of peak cough flow and (2) the extent to which cough impairment is associated with postoperative pain, FVC, and risk of PPCs. This prospective cohort study assessed 101 subjects (45% male, 56 ± 16 y old) admitted for elective upper abdominal surgery. Measurements of peak cough flow and FVC were performed on the day before surgery and repeated on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. PPCs were assessed daily by a pulmonologist blinded to the cough measurement results. Peak cough flow dropped to 54% of the preoperative value on postoperative day 1 and gradually increased on postoperative days 3 (65%) and 5 (72%) (P < .05). On all postoperative days, peak cough flow was strongly correlated with FVC (P < .001) and weakly correlated with pain (P = .006). Six subjects (6%) developed PPCs. The association between peak cough flow and risk of PPCs was not statistically significant (unadjusted odds ratio of 0.80, 95% CI 0.45-1.40, P = .44; adjusted odds ratio of 0.66, 95% CI 0.32-1.38, P = .41). Cough effectiveness is impaired after upper abdominal surgery. Postoperative restrictive lung dysfunction seems to be associated with this impairment. There is no significant association between peak cough flow and PPCs; however, cough impairment might result in clinically important consequences in a high-risk population.

Respiratory management of spinal muscular atrophy type 2.

Respiratory insufficiency is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 2. The primary complications include ineffective cough with decreased airway clearance, nocturnal hypoventilation, diminished lung and chest wall development, and increased risk for pulmonary infection. Respiratory devices including mechanical insufflator-exsufflator and bilevel positive airway pressure are the primary devices of respiratory maintenance and treatment and are associated with decreased morbidity and fewer hospital admissions. This article discusses the primary respiratory complications of spinal muscular atrophy type 2 and the role of respiratory interventions to promote growth and development, improve cough efficacy, reverse nocturnal hypoventilation, and prevent and treat pulmonary infection.

Common cold symptoms in children: results of an Internet-based surveillance program.

BackgroundConducting and analyzing clinical studies of cough and cold medications is challenging due to the rapid onset and short duration of the symptoms. The use of Internet-based surveillance tools is a new approach in clinical studies that is gradually becoming popular and may become a useful method of recruitment. As part of an initiative to assess the safety and efficacy of cough and cold ingredients in children 6-11 years of age, a surveillance program was proposed as a means to identify and recruit pediatric subjects for clinical studies.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to develop an Internet-based surveillance system and to assess the feasibility of using such a system to recruit children for common cold clinical studies, record the natural history of their cold symptoms, and determine the willingness of parents to have their children participate in clinical studies.MethodsHealthy potential subjects were recruited via parental contact online. During the 6-week surveillance period, parents completed daily surveys to record details of any cold symptoms in their children. If a child developed a cold, symptoms were followed via survey for 10 days. Additional questions evaluated the willingness of parents to have their children participate in a clinical study shortly after onset of symptoms.ResultsThe enrollment target of 248 children was reached in approximately 1 week. Children from 4 distinct geographic regions of the United States were recruited. Parents reported cold symptoms in 163 children, and 134 went on to develop colds. The most prevalent symptoms were runny nose, stuffed-up nose, and sneezing. The most severe symptoms were runny nose, stuffed-up nose, and sore/scratchy throat. The severity of most symptoms peaked 1–2 days after onset. Up to 54% of parents expressed willingness to bring a sick child to a clinical center shortly after the onset of symptoms. Parents found the Internet-based surveys easy to complete.ConclusionsInternet-based surveillance and recruitment can be useful tools to follow colds in children and enroll subjects in clinical studies. However, study designs should account for a potentially high dropout rate and low rate of adherence to study procedures.

Independent Cough Flow Augmentation by Glossopharyngeal Breathing Plus Table Thrust in Muscular Dystrophy

The purpose of the present study was to compare the unassisted cough peak flow (CPF) of patients affected by muscular dystrophy with CPF augmented by various techniques, including maximal depth glossopharyngeal breathing (GPB) combined with a subsequent self-induced thoracic or abdominal thrust. All of the motorized wheelchair-dependent patients with muscular dystrophy who had previously mastered GPB were trained at home to increase their cough efficacy. This training involved maneuvering their wheelchair against the edge of a specially built table to autonomously produce a thoracic and/or abdominal thrust timed to the opening of the glottis for an independently assisted cough. Both unassisted and variously assisted CPFs were compared. The 18 patients (17 men/1 woman) with muscular dystrophy, aged 21.1 ± 5.4 yrs, achieved variously assisted CPFs that were significantly higher than the spontaneous CPF (P < 0.001), with assisted CPFs but not unassisted CPFs that significantly exceeded a reported efficacious cough threshold value of 160 liters/min (P < 0.001). Moreover, increases in the CPFs by personal assistance including air stacking by manual resuscitator and thoracoabdominal thrust (326.4 ± 79.5 liters/min) or by GPB and thoracoabdominal thrust (326.4 ± 87.5 liters/min) were not significantly different (P = 0.07) from the CPFs independently attained by GPB plus independently maneuvering a wheelchair for a table thrust (310.3 ± 74.7 liters/min). The independently assisted (GPB plus table thrust) CPF was comparable to the CPFs that required personal assistance for air stacking and abdominal thrusts. Therefore, for patients with muscular dystrophy, this physical medicine technique and cough-assisted techniques that require personal intervention are strongly recommended.

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation for people with neuromuscular disorders

People with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) may have weak respiratory (breathing) muscles which makes it difficult for them to effectively cough and clear mucus from the lungs. This places them at risk of recurrent chest infections and chronic lung disease. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is one of a number of techniques available to improve cough efficacy and mucus clearance. To determine the efficacy and safety of MI-E in people with NMDs. On 7 October 2013, we searched the following databases from inception: the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, and EMBASE. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials. We conducted handsearches of reference lists and conference proceedings. We considered randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials, and randomised cross-over trials of MI-E used to assist airway clearance in people with a NMD and respiratory insufficiency. We considered comparisons of MI-E with no treatment, or alternative cough augmentation techniques. Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias in included studies according to standard Cochrane methodology. The primary outcome was mortality throughout follow-up or at six months follow-up. Five studies with a total of 105 participants were found to be eligible for inclusion in this review. All included trials were short-term studies (two days or less), measuring immediate effects of the interventions. There was insufficient detail in the reports to assess methods of randomisation and allocation concealment. All five studies were at a high risk of bias from lack of blinding. The studies did not report on mortality, morbidity, quality of life, serious adverse events or any of the other prespecified outcomes. One study was a randomised cross-over trial conducted over two days, in which investigators applied two interventions twice daily in randomly assigned order, with a reverse cross-over the following day. Four studies applied multiple interventions for cough augmentation to each participant, in random order. One study reported fatigue as an adverse effect of MI-E, using a visual analogue scale. Peak cough expiratory flow (PCEF) was the most common outcome measure and was reported in four studies. Based on three studies, MI-E may improve PCEF compared to an unassisted cough. All interventions increased PCEF to the critical level necessary for mucus clearance. The included studies did not clearly show that MI-E improves cough expiratory flow more than other cough augmentation techniques. Based on one study, which was at risk of assessor bias, the addition of MI-E may reduce treatment time when added to a standard airway clearance regimen with manually assisted cough. MI-E appeared to be as well tolerated as other cough augmentation techniques, based on three studies which reported comfort visual analogue scores. The results of this review do not provide sufficient evidence on which to base clinical practice as we were unable to address important short- and long-term outcomes, including adverse effects of MI-E. There is currently insufficient evidence for or against the use of MI-E in people with NMDs. Further randomised controlled clinical trials are needed to test the safety and efficacy of MI-E.

Respiratory muscle training for cervical spinal cord injury

Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) severely comprises respiratory function due to paralysis and impairment of the respiratory muscles. Various types of respiratory muscle training (RMT) to improve respiratory function for people with cervical SCI have been described in the literature. A systematic review of this literature is needed to determine the effectiveness of RMT (either inspiratory or expiratory muscle training) on pulmonary function, dyspnoea, respiratory complications, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life for people with cervical SCI. To evaluate the efficacy of RMT versus standard care or sham treatments in people with cervical SCI. We searched the Cochrane Injuries and Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Groups' Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2012, Issue 1), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and clinical trials registries (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ClinicalTrials, Controlled Trials metaRegister) on 5 to 8 March 2013. We handsearched reference lists of relevant papers and literature reviews. We applied no date, language, or publication restrictions. All randomised controlled trials that involved an intervention described as RMT versus a control group using an alternative intervention, placebo, usual care, or no intervention for people with cervical SCI were considered for inclusion. Two review authors independently selected articles for inclusion, evaluated the methodological quality of the studies, and extracted data. We sought additional information from the trial authors when necessary. We presented results using mean differences (MD) (using post-test scores) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes measured using the same scale or standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95% CI for outcomes measured using different scales. We included 11 studies with 212 participants with cervical SCI. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant effect of RMT for three outcomes: vital capacity (MD mean end point 0.4 L, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.69), maximal inspiratory pressure (MD mean end point 10.50 cm/H2O, 95% CI 3.42 to 17.57), and maximal expiratory pressure (MD mean end point 10.31 cm/H2O, 95% CI 2.80 to 17.82). There was no effect on forced expiratory volume in one second or dyspnoea. We could not combine the results from quality of life assessment tools from three studies for meta-analysis. Respiratory complication outcomes were infrequently reported and thus we could not include them in the meta-analysis. Instead, we described the results narratively. We identified no adverse effects as a result of RMT in cervical SCI. In spite of the relatively small number of studies included in this review, meta-analysis of the pooled data indicates that RMT is effective for increasing respiratory muscle strength and perhaps also lung volumes for people with cervical SCI. Further research is needed on functional outcomes following RMT, such as dyspnoea, cough efficacy, respiratory complications, hospital admissions, and quality of life. In addition, longer-term studies are needed to ascertain optimal dosage and determine any carryover effects of RMT on respiratory function, quality of life, respiratory morbidity, and mortality.

Clinical study on treatment of cough variant asthma by Chinese medicine

To observe the clinical efficacy and the change of airway responsiveness to Chinese medicine (CM) in treating cough variant asthma (CVA). Ninety-four patients who had confirmed the diagnosis of CVA were selected and randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group by the blocked randomization method. The ratio of the two groups was 2:1. The treatment group had 63 patients that were treated by CM, lost in 10 cases, 53 patients had finished the trial. The control group had 31 patients that were treated by montelukast tablets and theophylline, lost in 5 cases, 26 patients had finished the trial, two weeks as one therapeutic course. The syndrome efficacy, cough efficacy, symptom score and the airway responsiveness between two groups were observed. The comparison of the syndrome efficacy: the total effective rate of the treatment group was 90.57% and the control group was 76.92%, and the two groups were significantly different (P<0.05). The comparison of the cough efficacy: the total effective rate of the treatment group was 98.11% and the control group was 80.77%, and the two groups were also significantly different (P<0.05). Syndrome scoring and cough scoring were all significantly lowered, but the airway responsiveness was not significantly lowered. The treatment of CM could ease the cough, improve the syndrome, and shows obvious advantages compared with the control group, which is worthy of extensive clinical application.

Randomized Crossover Study of Lung Expansion Therapy Using Negative Pressure and Positive Pressure in Bronchiectasis

Background For patients with bronchiectasis, the mechanical mobilization of secretion constitutes a key therapeutic approach. However, the effectiveness of lung expansion therapy to mobilize secretion in bronchiectasis patients has not been investigated extensively. This study compares patients' exercise tolerance and physical assessment outcomes after secretion clearance using intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or negative pressure ventilation (NPV) as adjuncts to postural drainage. Methods This prospective, randomized crossover study examined the data for 18 stable outpatients with bronchiectasis. The outcomes were compared for four treatment sessions of either IPPB or NPV, used as adjuncts to postural drainage. The short-term outcomes involved pulmonary functions and a six-minute walk test (6MWT). We also assessed pulmonary functions and physical clinical signs as immediate treatment effects. Results Patients' forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and cough efficacy did not change significantly after individual postural drainage sessions using either IPPB or NPV. However, a reduction in the use of accessory muscles was noted after NPV; patients with low baseline FVC might benefit particularly from this reduction (r = 0.699, p < 0.05). No significant differences between two techniques were found for the patient's walking distance. However, the pulse rate after 6MWT was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the NPV group. Conclusion NPV may provide as an effective adjunct to postural drainage as IPPB in weekly lung expansion therapy for outpatients with bronchiectasis. The benefits of NPV might include a reduction in the use of accessory muscles during lung expansion.

The Efficacy and Safety of Cough and Cold Medicines for Infants

The Efficacy and Safety of Cough and Cold Medicines for Infants

Safety and efficacy of over- the-counter cough and cold medicines for use in children

Importance of the field: Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications have been used widely for years and continue to be a preferred choice for temporary relief of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections in children. These medications are being placed under extraordinary scrutiny in the pediatric population due to the lack of conclusive evidence about their therapeutic efficacy and increased reports of associations with serious adverse events and even mortality.Areas covered in this review: A PubMed search was conducted to identify articles published up to August 2009 describing the efficacy and safety of OTC cough and cold medications in children. The objective was to provide an overview of the relevant literature and regulatory history and to comment on the available data on this important topic.What the reader will gain: The paper provides a detailed up-to-date review of the key efficacy and safety studies published on the subject. In addition, the reader is presented with an overview of the regulatory history and recent developments surrounding the use of OTC cough and cold medications in children in the US.Take home message: This review confirms the lack of efficacy of OTC cough and cold products in children and reaffirms that although the overall incidence of related serious adverse events is low, such events continue to occur. The conclusions in this paper support a recommendation that OTC cough and cold medications should not be given to infants and very young children. Furthermore, additional research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these medicines in the broader pediatric population.

Cough and Cold Medication Use by US Children, 1999–2006: Results From the Slone Survey

Pediatric cough and cold medications are widely marketed in the United States, but the precise patterns of use among children are not known. Such information is especially important given recent reports suggesting that these medications are responsible for previously underappreciated serious adverse events and deaths among children. We sought to describe the prevalence and patterns of pediatric use of cough and cold medications, with particular attention to use among young children. We analyzed data on the use of cough and cold medications, defined as any oral medication that contains >or=1 antitussive, decongestant, expectorant, and/or first-generation antihistamine active ingredients, among 4267 US children who were younger than 18 years and enrolled during 1999-2006 in the Slone Survey, a national random-digit-dial telephone survey of medication use by the US population. In a given week, a cough and cold medication was used by 10.1% of US children. Exposure was highest to decongestants (6.3%; mostly pseudoephedrine) and first-generation antihistamines (6.3%; most common were chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, and brompheniramine), followed by antitussives (4.1%; mostly dextromethorphan) and expectorants (1.5%; almost exclusively guaifenesin). Multiple-ingredient products accounted for 64.2% of all cough and cold medications used. Exposure to antitussives, decongestants, and first-generation antihistamines was highest among 2- to 5-year-olds (7.0%, 9.9%, and 10.1%, respectively) followed by children who were younger than 2 years (5.9%, 9.4%, and 7.6%, respectively); expectorant use was low in all age groups. The use of cough and cold medications declined from 1999 through 2006. Approximately 1 in 10 US children uses a cough and cold medication in a given week. The especially high prevalence of use among children of young age is noteworthy, given concerns about potential adverse effects and the lack of data on the efficacy of cough and cold medications in this age group.

Cough Efficacy Is Related to the Disability Status in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Cough is an important defense mechanism, whose main function is to remove mucus and/or foreign bodies from the airways. In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), respiratory muscle function may be affected and cough may be impaired. Objectives: Respiratory muscle strength and voluntary cough efficacy were determined in MS patients and controls, and the relationship between cough efficacy and patients’ degree of disability was investigated. Methods: We recruited 27 MS patients (age: 41 ± 11 years; 18 females) with mild-to-moderate disability, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score range: 1–7, and 20 healthy controls (age: 37 ± 11 years; 12 females). The maximal inspiratory (PIMAX) and expiratory (PEMAX) pressures, maximal whistle mouth pressures (PMOW), cough peak flows (CPF), cough expiratory volumes (CEV) and cough gastric pressures (PGA) were measured in all subjects. Results: In MS patients, the EDSS score was significantly related to CPF, PEMAX, PMOW, cough PGA, PIMAX and CEV (p < 0.01, each correlation). The receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that an EDSS score ≧5.5 was consistent with impaired cough (CPF ≤5.6 l/s), with a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.95 (area under curve 0.90, p < 0.001). CPF was related to and predicted by PEMAX, PMOW, cough PGA and PIMAX in MS patients (p < 0.01 each correlation), but not in controls. Conclusions: MS can affect voluntary cough efficacy and respiratory muscle strength, which are inversely related to the patients’ degree of disability. In addition, this study shows that CPF is a measure of clinical relevance in MS patients.

The US Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee will discuss the safety and efficacy of cough and cold drug products in children,

The US Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee will discuss the safety and efficacy of cough and cold drug products in children,

Systematic review of techniques to enhance peak cough flow and maintain vital capacity in neuromuscular disease: the case for mechanical insufflation–exsufflation

Patients with neuromuscular disease risk developing chest infections due to the inability to cough effectively and to maintain adequate lung volume. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of techniques used in the respiratory management of these patients. Articles evaluating peak cough flow measurements and maintenance of lung volumes only were selected to retain a specific focus for comparison. A database search was performed using the Cochrane controlled register, AMED, Cinahl, Medline and PEDro. Various techniques improved cough efficacy in neuromuscular disease by increasing peak cough flow values and maintaining lung volume. Mechanical insufflation–exsufflation is a technique used to augment cough strength, producing the greatest increase in peak cough flow compared with other techniques. These findings highlight the treatment options for the patient with neuromuscular disease in order to maintain respiratory muscle length, prevent infection and augment peak cough flow.