Cough reflex sensitivy to capsaicin in patients with COPD

Previous studies have reported contradicting results in terms of cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin in patients with COPD. Some COPD patients demonstrated similar sensitivity to capsaicin relative to healthy controls, whereas others – enhanced sensitivity. Aim of the study was to evaluate cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin in COPD patients compare to healthy never-smokers and healthy active smokers. Methods: Subjects with moderate to severe COPD and smoking history 10 pack years (n528), healthy never-smokers (n516) and healthy active smokers ( 5 pack years) (n514) were enrolled. None of the COPD patients had used inhaled or oral corticosteroids and long acting bronchodilators at least 1 month before the study. All study subjects did not have any symptoms of respiratory tract infection within 4 weeks. Cough reflex sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin was measured in all subjects. [...].