Benson Tape is Not a Recognized Medical Treatment for Cough
There is no evidence in medical literature or clinical guidelines supporting the use of "Benson tape" for cough management in any condition, including viral bronchitis with wheezing.
What the Evidence Actually Recommends for Your Clinical Scenario
For Wheezing in Acute Bronchitis
- β2-agonist bronchodilators (such as albuterol) may be useful in select adult patients with acute bronchitis when wheezing accompanies the cough, though the benefit is small (Grade C recommendation) 1.
- In most patients with acute bronchitis, β2-agonist bronchodilators should NOT be routinely used to alleviate cough alone without wheezing (Grade D recommendation) 1.
For Symptomatic Cough Relief
- Antitussive agents (codeine or dextromethorphan) are occasionally useful and can be offered for short-term symptomatic relief, particularly when dry cough is bothersome and disturbs sleep (Grade C recommendation) 1.
- The cough typically lasts 10-14 days after the visit, even without treatment, and may persist up to 3 weeks 2, 3.
What NOT to Use
- Antibiotics are not indicated for acute viral bronchitis (Grade D recommendation) 1.
- Mucokinetic agents (expectorants) are not recommended due to lack of consistent favorable effect (Grade I recommendation) 1.
Critical Clinical Pitfall
If you are referring to "Benson tape" as some form of chest wall taping or kinesiology taping, this has no evidence base for treating cough or bronchitis. The established evidence-based treatments are limited to:
- β2-agonists for wheezing specifically 1
- Antitussives for bothersome dry cough 1
- Patient education about expected duration 2, 3
Reassess the patient if fever persists beyond 3 days or cough persists beyond 3 weeks, as this may indicate bacterial superinfection, pneumonia, or alternative diagnoses such as asthma or pertussis 4, 5.