Question 1

if it is not uncommon for ace inhibitors to produce an annoying cough, why not prescribe arbs from the get go?  are they generally less effective?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable: Alternative. Most of the clinical studiesdone in heart failure, heart attack and hypertension were done with ace inhibitors so there is a tremendous amount of data backing its use. There is more data regarding arb's in the last few years.

Question 2

one of symptom of chf is cough, can ace inhibitors be used as it also causes cough.

Accepted Answer

CHF: Treatment of congestive heart failure is complex. One of the most important medications is an ace inhibitor to improve the cardiac function. Although there is a potential side effect of a dry cough in a small percentage of patients using an acei, the benefit far outweighs the risk and it should be a first line medication. Speak with your cardiologist for details of dosing.

Question 3

cough upon altace trial 10 yrs ago. possible i might not have same reaction now, esp w/diff brand of ace inhibitor?  ace studies look better than arb.

Accepted Answer

Altace cough: it is worth trying again as you will know quickly whether you are sensitive to it, and if you are, you can stop it. Best to check with your cardiologist.

Question 4

i hear that the chances of a strong annoying cough due to an ace inhibitor for hbp (no diabetes) is experienced by many patients. how true is this?

Accepted Answer

Yes: That's true. About 10-20% of people will experience this. If this happens, switch to a different class.

Question 5

i was switched from a beta blocker to an ace inhibitor for hbp due to bad side effects. how long will it take for the  cough with lisinopril?

Accepted Answer

10%: There is a 10% chance of getting a cough with lisinopril. That means there is a 90% chance of not getting a cough. Lisinopril is still very useful. Be optimistic that you are in the 90%.

Question 6

how to combat ankle edema caused as a side effect by s-amlodipine.the hypertensive pt.was previously put on ace inhibitor but developed cough?

Accepted Answer

Side effect: Ankle edema is a side effect of amlodipine. You can't 'combat' it. If the ace  caused side effects also then one of the family of arbs may help.

Question 7

short of breath, lump in throat, difficulty swallowing, cough daily for 6 mos. and getting worse. one dr. says reflux the other says ace inhibitor (angioedema). which is most likely given the symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Exam: If you failed treatment for reflux then it warrants further investigation like an endoscopy. At 6 mos with treatment, (proton pump inhibitors or h2blockers) , i think u should let your doctor know if its not working.

Question 8

how do you cure dry cough?

Accepted Answer

Depends on cause: Treating a dry cough depends on the cause, all the while remembering that cough is a symptom not a disease. Dry cough can occur due to allergies, exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals, asthma, bronchospasm, viral URI and medications such as ace inhibitors. 
Avoid the irritant, treat the asthma and bronchospasm, switch the offending medicine and use antihistamines for allergy control.

Question 9

how can you stop a dry cough ?

Accepted Answer

Tips: Hydrate well.   Consider using a warm air vaporizer. Mix several teaspoons of honey into herbal tea  with a squeeze of lemon juice.  Or make tea with 2 tsp of marshmallow root bark per 1cup of hot water (steep in a covered pot for at least 5 minutes).  Drink several times a day or as needed to relieve coughing. See a physician if your cough is not resolving, difficulty breathing or temp &gt; 104.

Question 10

how to recover from dry cough?

Accepted Answer

Dry cough: The best way to treat or recover from a cough is to find the underlying cause or reason for the cough so it can be treated.  Also, "voice rest" which means no raising voice, singing, cheering, yelling etc, so the area of the larynx can heal.  If a cough persists, it is important to be assessed by an allergist, ENT doctor or pulmonologist to identify the trigger and offer specific treatment.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Dry cough and ace inhibitors

A member asked:

If it is not uncommon for ace inhibitors to produce an annoying cough, why not prescribe arbs from the get go? are they generally less effective?

A member asked:

One of symptom of chf is cough, can ace inhibitors be used as it also causes cough.

A member asked:

Cough upon altace trial 10 yrs ago. possible i might not have same reaction now, esp w/diff brand of ace inhibitor? ace studies look better than arb.

A member asked:

I hear that the chances of a strong annoying cough due to an ace inhibitor for hbp (no diabetes) is experienced by many patients. how true is this?

A member asked:

I was switched from a beta blocker to an ace inhibitor for hbp due to bad side effects. how long will it take for the cough with lisinopril?

A member asked:

How to combat ankle edema caused as a side effect by s-amlodipine.the hypertensive pt.was previously put on ace inhibitor but developed cough?

A member asked:

Short of breath, lump in throat, difficulty swallowing, cough daily for 6 mos. and getting worse. one dr. says reflux the other says ace inhibitor (angioedema). which is most likely given the symptoms?

A member asked:

How do you cure dry cough?

A member asked:

How can you stop a dry cough ?

A member asked:

How to recover from dry cough?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?