From the Research
The treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with cough should focus on addressing the underlying cause of the cough, as there is no direct evidence linking cough suppression to ED treatment. When considering the management of cough, it's essential to differentiate between acute and chronic cough, as the approach to treatment varies significantly between the two [ 1 ]. For acute coughs, which are typically caused by viral upper respiratory infections, symptomatic treatment with dextromethorphan (15-30mg every 4-6 hours) or benzonatate (100-200mg three times daily) can help suppress the cough reflex [ 2 ]. However, in the context of ED associated with cough, the primary concern should be identifying and treating the underlying cause of the cough, rather than just suppressing the cough symptoms [ 3 ]. Some key points to consider in managing cough include:
- Identifying and treating the underlying cause of the cough
- Using symptomatic treatments such as dextromethorphan or benzonatate for acute coughs
- Considering the use of expectorants and mucolytics for productive coughs
- Addressing any potential contributing factors to the cough, such as postnasal drip or bronchospasm It's also important to note that persistent coughs can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or malignancy, and therefore warrant further investigation [ 4 ]. In terms of ED treatment, the focus should be on addressing any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the ED, rather than solely focusing on the cough [ 5 ]. Overall, a comprehensive approach to managing cough and ED should prioritize identifying and treating the underlying causes of both conditions, rather than just suppressing symptoms.