Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Methods for Detecting Cough and Airway Inflammation in Mice
Published on: August 2, 2024
Influence of smoking status on cough reflex sensitivity in subjects with COPD
Kristina Stravinskaite1, Brigita Sitkauskiene, Peter V Dicpinigaitis
1Department of Pulmonology and Immunology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Eiveniu 2, Kaunas, LT 50009, Lithuania.
Abstract:
Cough reflex sensitivity has not been studied extensively in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the study was to evaluate cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin in current and former smokers with COPD and examine its association with potentially protussive mediators. Fifteen active smokers and 18 ex-smokers with moderate to severe COPD, 14 healthy active smokers, and 13 healthy never smokers were enrolled. Capsaicin aerosol was administered in order of ascending concentration until the concentrations inducing two or more coughs (C(2)) and five or more coughs (C(5)) were attained. The concentrations of leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4)), leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were analyzed by ELISA. Cough reflex sensitivity in COPD smokers [mean log C(2) = 1.20 +/- 0.23 (SEM) microM; log C(5) = 1.85 +/- 0.21 microM] did not differ from that in COPD ex-smokers (log C(2) = 1.15 +/- 0.14 microM; log C(5) = 2.10 +/- 0.19 microM; p > 0.05). Mean C(2) and C(5) in both COPD groups were significantly lower than in healthy active smokers, but higher compared with the healthy never-smokers. BAL fluid concentrations of LTE(4) and LTB(4) were similar in all groups. IL-8 concentrations did not differ between COPD smokers, COPD ex-smokers, and healthy active smokers, but were significantly higher in all three groups compared with healthy never smokers. Cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin does not differ between smokers and ex-smokers with COPD.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...

