Research reveals exactly how coughing is triggered by environmental irritants

Research reveals exactly how coughing is triggered by environmental irritants. Findings suggest new target for potential cough treatments - %0A " - Imperial College London News Release Under strict embargo until: - 00. EST/05. GMT - Monday 23 November 2009 Scientists have revealed how environmental irritants such as air pollution and cigarette smoke cause people to cough, in research published today in the . The authors of the study, from Imperial College London and the University of Hull, have identified the reaction inside the lungs that can trigger coughing when a person is exposed to particular irritants in the air. They suggest that their findings may ultimately lead to the development of new treatments for chronic coughing. Coughing is the most common reason for people visiting a family doctor.