Constant irritating cough may also be caused by medication

Constantly irritating cough: Possibly drugs are the cause

An irritating cough can be very tormenting, especially at night. This type of cough is due to irritation of the lower respiratory tract, for example due to bronchitis. However, certain medications can be the cause of dry cough.

Medications with side effects

In case of irritating cough "it is a cough without sputum (unproductive cough)", explains the Federal Association of Pulmonologists (BdP) on the Internet portal "pulmonary physicians in the network". According to the experts, this type of cough is due to irritation of the lower respiratory tract, such as foreign bodies, tumors, laryngitis, inflammation of the trachea, bronchitis or pollutants such as dust, gases or chemical vapor. And "some medications (such as ACE inhibitors, which are used for hypertension and heart failure) cause as a side effect a dry cough," write the doctors.

Constant irritant cough can be triggered, among other things, by certain medications. Experts explain what to do then. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

What to do in case of dry cough

Dr. med. Vinzenz von Kageneck, a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology, explains in a consultation with the German Heart Foundation what patients who suffer from irritated cough due to ingested ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, enalapril and lisinopril can do so.

"It is important in such cases, the ACE inhibitor is not simply drop-free, because ACE inhibitors in many cases provide high protection of the blood vessels and various organs such as the heart," warns the expert.

"Instead, the ACE inhibitor can be replaced by an active substance from the group of the so-called Sartane in the case of irritating cough such as: Candesartan, valsartan, losartan or irbesartan. "

According to the physician, the effect of Sartane is comparable to the effect of ACE inhibitors, but with the big difference that usually no irritating cough is to be expected as a side effect.

Patients should contact their GP and point out the unwanted effects of the drug.

If the symptoms are not too severe, home remedies can sometimes help with irritating cough. Above all, it is important to drink enough - preferably teas. Breast wraps and lozenges can also provide relief. (Ad)