Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, known as ACE Inhibitors, are drugs used to prevent, treat, or improve symptoms in conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diabetes. These drugs can cause a chronic cough that can affect your quality of life.

An ACE-induced cough occurs in about 10% of those taking the medication, though some studies show even higher rates. The cough may develop within hours after taking the first dose or as much as weeks or months later.

Symptoms

This cough is typically dry with a tickling or scratching feeling in the throat.

Treatment

You should see your doctor, who will discuss whether to change your medication.

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The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.

Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...

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