Evidence supporting the use of: Capsaicin
For the health condition: Cough (dry)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, has been investigated for its effects on cough, particularly chronic refractory or idiopathic cough. Several clinical studies and reviews provide moderate scientific evidence supporting its use. Capsaicin acts as an agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor, which is involved in the cough reflex. In research settings, inhaled capsaicin is often used to provoke cough in order to assess cough reflex sensitivity. However, repeated exposure to capsaicin can lead to desensitization of TRPV1 receptors and a reduction in cough reflex sensitivity. This desensitization effect forms the scientific basis for the therapeutic use of capsaicin in treating chronic dry cough.

Topical capsaicin preparations (e.g., capsaicin nasal spray or oral lozenges) have been studied in small clinical trials and case series, showing a reduction in cough frequency and severity in some patients with chronic refractory cough. These studies suggest that capsaicin may be particularly helpful in patients whose cough is triggered by hypersensitivity of the cough reflex.

While there is moderate scientific evidence supporting its use, the overall quality of evidence is limited by small sample sizes and variability in formulations and dosing. Nevertheless, clinical guidelines sometimes mention capsaicin as a potential treatment for refractory or unexplained chronic cough when other options have failed. Overall, capsaicin’s use for dry cough is supported by scientific evidence at a moderate level (3/5), but more large-scale studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

More about Capsaicin
More about Cough (dry)

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