Proton pump inhibitors result in a slight decrease in chronic cough severity

According to a recent study, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) decrease the severity of non-specific chronic cough to some extent, regardless of treatment duration. This study’s results were published in the journal, Scientific Reports.

This study included placebo-controlled randomized trials where the impact of acid-suppressive medications on persistent cough was assessed. A systematic search was carried out on November 1, 2022, across three databases. The calculations was conducted utilizing a random-effects model. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was the effect size. The meta-analysis included a total of 11 double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized trials.

Data indicated that PPIs reduced cough severity compared to placebo (SMD 0.33, confidence interval 0.05; 0.61). There was no difference in therapeutic response between patients with non-specific chronic cough and those with laryngopharyngeal reflux. Longer treatment durations did not lead to significant symptomatic improvement, with SMD values of 0.33 (confidence interval - 0.22; 0.88), 0.31 (confidence interval - 1.74; 2.35), 0.32 (confidence interval - 0.29; 0.93), and 0.34 (confidence interval - 0.16; 0.85) after four, six, eight, and twelve weeks of treatment, respectively. The pooled analysis of quality of life improvement with proton pump inhibitors showed an SMD of 0.39 (confidence interval - 0.51; 1.29).

Therefore, it can be concluded that PPIs lead to a mild decrease in the severity of non-specific chronic cough, regardless of how long the treatment lasts.