Editorial Cough: Methods and Mechanisms
On October 11-12, 1996, an international symposium
The final session dealt with central nervous mechwas held on the above topic at the National Heart anisms in cough and, although the neural pathways and Lung Institute, London. About 80 participants in the brainstem responsible for cough are still far attended and, as well as the formal presentations, from being mapped out, our understanding of the there were extensive discussions. These the various central neuropharmacology of cough was shown to Chairmen have tried to summarize in the Proceedings.
be increasing rapidly. The first session dealt with the assessment and Although cough is the commonest symptom of measurement of cough in healthy subjects and respiratory and chest disease, its study has been rather patients, and the evaluation of antitussive agents. The neglected until recently, and the symposium occurred merits of various tussive stimuli and their comparison at an opportune time to assess current advances in with spontaneous cough received much attention as our understanding of cough and its therapy. The did the notoriously strong placebo-effect that is fremeeting was supported most generously by Procter quently seen. Sophisticated but practical methods for and Gamble (UK, USA and India) who also provided assessing cough were discussed and demonstrated.
a very important scientific input to the meeting. There The second session dealt with sensory mechanisms were also generous grants from Rhone-Poulenc Rorer of cough, in particular the role of C-fibre receptors and and the Physiological Society, to all of whom the rapidly adapting receptors in the airways. This subject organisers are most grateful. has a special relevance in relation to hyperresponsiveness and the use of peripherally acting anti-John Widdicombe tussive drugs. Rapidly accumulating evidence on the Sherrington School of Physiology UMDS, importance of sensory neuropeptides in the activation St Thomas' Hospital, of cough was detailed. The relative importance of the Lambeth Palace Road, larynx, as compared with the lower airways, in the initiation of spontaneous and induced cough was reviewed.
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