The causes of chronic cough are very varied and are related to different systems.

In this article we explain what IECE are (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors).

Why some medications for hypertension or heart failure trigger cough?

Los Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are a group of drugs used to treat Hypertension and other cardiovascular pathologies, such as heart failure.

ACE inhibitors block the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), preventing the production of angiotensin 2 (a substance that narrows blood vessels) in our bodies, and also preventing the breakdown of bradykinin.

Bradykinin is a substance that has important functions such as:

• Relaxation of the smooth muscle walls of blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
• It facilitates the inflammatory response by allowing immune cells and proteins to pass into the tissues.
• It can affect organs by contracting them, such as the digestive system or the bronchi (bronchospasm).

ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, leading to its accumulation, which can induce bronchospasm or stimulation of sensory nerve endings in the airways, causing cough.

Some treatments for hypertension are one of the possible causes of cough. If it persists for more than 8 weeks, we are dealing with a case of chronic cough.

Author: Eva Maroto

References:

1. Salas, L; Cough associated with convertase inhibitors. https://www.binasss.sa.cr/revistas/rccm/v12n1-2/art11.pdf