The Utility of Nexium in Chronic Cough and Reflux Disease
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2008-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to investigate different doses of proton pump
inhibitors in reducing cough symptoms felt to be associated with Gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD). Proton pump inhibitors are medicines used to treat GERD, which work by
lowering the amount of acid in the stomach.
The proton pump inhibitor used in this study is called, Esomeprazole (brand name Nexium), and
is already marketed for treating GERD. Patients with GERD may experience all or some of the
following symptoms: stomach acid or partially digested food re-entering the esophagus (which
is sometimes referred to as heartburn or regurgitation), belching and coughing. Even very
small, unnoticeable amounts of rising stomach acid may cause patients to cough.
Because there may be a link between chronic cough and GERD, study doctors are interested in
learning if giving high-dose Nexium (40 milligrams, twice daily) will help in treating
chronic cough.