There has been remarkable advances in our knowledge of cough. This book shows that basic studies are pointing to many potentially valuable approaches to the treatment of cough, based on understanding the basic peripheral receptor mechanisms, the brainstem pathways in the control of cough, and the sensitization processes that may apply in disease.

The last decade has seen remarkable advances in our knowledge of cough. This applies especially to its basic mechanisms: the types of airway sensors, the pharmacological receptors on their membranes, the brainstem organization of the 'cough centre', and the involvement of the cerebral cortex in the sensations and the voluntary control of cough. This book shows that basic studies are pointing to many potentially valuable approaches to the treatment of cough, based on understanding the basic peripheral receptor mechanisms, the brainstem pathways in the control of cough, and the sensitization processes that may apply in disease.

Cough: Setting the Scene. Physiological and Pharmacological Properties of the Afferent Nerves Regulating Cough. TRP membrane Receptors on Cough Sensors. Opioid and Cannabinoid Receptors on Vagal Sensory Nerves. Nicotinic Membrane Receptors on Cough Sensors. Pharmacological Modulation of Cough Sensors. Plasticity of Peripheral Pathways. The Pharmacology of Peripherally Active Anti-tussive Drugs. Plasticity of Central Pathways. Pharmacology of Brainstem Pathways. Neuronal Mechanisms of Action of Centrally - Acting Antitussives Using Electrophysiological and Neurochemical Study Approaches. Conscious Control of Cough and the Placebo Effect. The Urge-to-Cough: A Respiratory Sensation. Therapeutic Treatments and Management of Chronic Cough. Measuring the Cough Response in the Laboratory. What is the Minimal Important Difference for the Leicester Cough Questionnaire? Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Therapy of Cough. The Need for New Therapies for Cough: Disease-specific and Symptom-related Antitussives.