Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Precision Induction and Distinction of Coughing and Sneezing Reflexes in Mice
Published on: October 3, 2025
Cough reflex by ventricular premature contractions
Akio Niimi1, Yasuki Kihara, Yoshiyuki Sumita
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Japan.
Abstract:
A 72-year-old man was referred for further assessment of a chronic cough. He noticed an association between the episodes of coughing and palpitations. Electrocardiography (ECG) revealed normal sinus rhythm and sporadic unifocal ventricular premature contractions (VPCs). Each cough was preceded by a premature beat. Continuous wave Doppler echocardiography revealed a VPC-induced transient increase in the pulmonary artery blood flow. He was successfully treated for VPCs with oral disopyramide, resulting in subsidence of both the coughing and palpitations. We suspect that the VPC-induced hemodynamic changes in the pulmonary circulation might be responsible for coughing in our patient. Premature contractions should be considered as a possible cause of chronic dry cough in the clinical setting.
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