Review: insufficient evidence exists on the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors for adults with prolonged non-specific cough associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux
Q What is the efficacy of various treatments for gastro-oesophageal reflux for prolonged non-specific cough in adults and children?
METHODS
Data sources:
Medline (1966–2004), OldMedline (1951–65), EMBASE/Excerpta Medica (1997–2004), Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (searches current as of April 2005); reference lists of relevant studies; and communication with authors.
Study selection and assessment:
randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adults and children receiving any gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) treatment (ie, anti-reflux conservative measures, H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors [PPIs], or surgical therapy) for chronic non-specific cough lasting ⩾3 weeks (dry, non-productive cough without any other respiratory symptoms, signs, or systemic illness). 12 RCTs met the selection criteria; 3 trials involved infants and children (n = 198), and 9 trials involved adults (n = 196, mean age 48–58 y). 6 RCTs compared PPIs and placebo; 1 compared PPIs and ranitadine; 1 compared cisapride and a diet intervention; and 1 compared H2 antagonists and placebo. …
