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Capsaicin cough sensitivity is decreased in smokers
1Department of Allergy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. eva.millqvist@medfak.gu.se
Respiratory Medicine
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Smokers coughed significantly less when challenged with capsaicin, suggesting nicotine may inhibit sensory nerve fibers in the airways. This could explain why respiratory symptoms worsen after quitting smoking.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cough is a common respiratory symptom, often evaluated using capsaicin provocation.
- Capsaicin stimulates C-fibers in the sensory nervous system, inducing cough.
- Smoking is linked to respiratory symptoms like cough and phlegm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of smoking on capsaicin-induced cough reflex.
- To explore the potential role of nicotine in modulating airway sensory nerves.
Main Methods:
- Healthy smokers and non-smokers underwent capsaicin challenge with increasing doses.
- Cough frequency was objectively counted.
- Lower airway irritation was assessed using a symptom score.
Main Results:
- Smokers exhibited significantly fewer coughs in response to capsaicin provocation compared to non-smokers.
- No significant differences were observed in other reported airway irritation symptoms between groups.
Conclusions:
- Nicotine may inhibit or block C-fibers in the lower respiratory tract's sensory nervous system.
- This neuro-inhibitory effect could contribute to the increased airway symptoms experienced after smoking cessation.