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Our group included 34 participants who were primarily white females suffering from moderate to severe cough. Throughout the trial, we noted that those taking zinc acetate did experience a rise in serum zinc levels, which indicates that the treatment was effective in that regard. However, when assessing the overall impact on cough symptoms and quality of life, both the zinc and placebo groups showed improvements, but those improvements were minimal.
Importantly, the treatment effects observed did not reach the clinically meaningful thresholds that would suggest zinc acetate significantly benefits cough management. Therefore, we concluded that there is no substantial advantage to using zinc therapy over placebo for people dealing with chronic cough, and suggest that larger trials are unnecessary at this time.
The EAT involved weekly treatments for three months. We observed that this therapy not only cleared residual SARS-CoV-2 spike RNA from the epipharyngeal mucosa but also led to a decrease in inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines. While the application of zinc chloride was a significant part of the treatment, it was combined with other elements of EAT, making it challenging to isolate zinc's specific impact on cough relief.
Overall, we found that EAT could be a promising avenue for individuals suffering from chronic cough related to Long COVID, highlighting an innovative way to utilize zinc in managing this persistent symptom.
Our study included 260 patients and followed a strict methodology, comparing this new treatment to the standard clinical management recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research. Over a treatment period of 10 days, we observed notable improvements in symptoms, including cough, myalgia, headache, and anosmia, among those who received the APMV2020 treatment alongside standard care.
While zinc was included in the treatment, this study does not isolate its effect on cough specifically since it was part of a comprehensive combination. However, our findings indicated that APMV2020 treatment led to a significant reduction in cough symptoms and inflammatory markers. This positions APMV2020 as a promising candidate for inclusion in COVID-19 management protocols, not only for rapid recovery but also for its potential long-term benefits in reducing complications associated with the virus.
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The EAT involved weekly treatments for three months. We observed that this therapy not only cleared residual SARS-CoV-2 spike RNA from the epipharyngeal mucosa but also led to a decrease in inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines. While the application of zinc chloride was a significant part of the treatment, it was combined with other elements of EAT, making it challenging to isolate zinc's specific impact on cough relief.
Overall, we found that EAT could be a promising avenue for individuals suffering from chronic cough related to Long COVID, highlighting an innovative way to utilize zinc in managing this persistent symptom.
Our study included 260 patients and followed a strict methodology, comparing this new treatment to the standard clinical management recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research. Over a treatment period of 10 days, we observed notable improvements in symptoms, including cough, myalgia, headache, and anosmia, among those who received the APMV2020 treatment alongside standard care.
While zinc was included in the treatment, this study does not isolate its effect on cough specifically since it was part of a comprehensive combination. However, our findings indicated that APMV2020 treatment led to a significant reduction in cough symptoms and inflammatory markers. This positions APMV2020 as a promising candidate for inclusion in COVID-19 management protocols, not only for rapid recovery but also for its potential long-term benefits in reducing complications associated with the virus.
Our group included 34 participants who were primarily white females suffering from moderate to severe cough. Throughout the trial, we noted that those taking zinc acetate did experience a rise in serum zinc levels, which indicates that the treatment was effective in that regard. However, when assessing the overall impact on cough symptoms and quality of life, both the zinc and placebo groups showed improvements, but those improvements were minimal.
Importantly, the treatment effects observed did not reach the clinically meaningful thresholds that would suggest zinc acetate significantly benefits cough management. Therefore, we concluded that there is no substantial advantage to using zinc therapy over placebo for people dealing with chronic cough, and suggest that larger trials are unnecessary at this time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Coughing is a reflex action that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. It is a natural mechanism the body uses to protect itself and can be triggered by various factors, including infections, allergies, or environmental irritants. There are two main types of coughs: acute coughs, which typically last less than three weeks and often result from a cold or respiratory infection, and chronic coughs, which persist for more than eight weeks and may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Coughs can also be classified as dry or productive. A dry cough does not produce mucus, while a productive cough does. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause; over-the-counter medications, home remedies, or medical intervention may be recommended based on the severity and duration of the cough. If a cough is persistent, accompanied by other symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it’s advisable to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Zinc is a versatile metal known for its various applications in industry and health. It is a bluish-white metallic element represented by the symbol Zn and atomic number 30 on the periodic table. Zinc is primarily used for galvanizing steel to prevent rusting, in the manufacturing of alloys, and as a component in batteries. Additionally, zinc plays a crucial role in biological processes, making it an essential trace element in the human diet. It is involved in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, highlighting its importance in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Zinc has garnered attention for its potential role in reducing the duration and severity of colds, which often include symptoms like cough. Some studies suggest that zinc may help by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation in the throat and respiratory tract. While there are mixed results regarding its efficacy specifically for cough relief, it is commonly found in over-the-counter cold remedies. It’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm these benefits conclusively.
Based on user reviews, the timeline to see results from taking this zinc supplement for cough can vary. Some users report rapid relief, with symptoms dissipating quickly after starting the supplement. For instance, one user noted that the symptoms of fever and cough went away quickly when taking zinc sublingually ((Read Review)). Another mentioned that their cough resolved faster when using zinc during a cold ((Read Review)).
However, the experience can differ based on individual health conditions and the severity of symptoms. One reviewer emphasized the role of zinc alongside other supplements in managing minimal symptoms during a viral illness ((Read Review)). Overall, while many users report quick alleviation of cough symptoms, others suggest that consistent use during illness contributes to overall immune support and symptom management. Therefore, while some users feel relief shortly after starting, maintaining a regular intake may provide the best results over time.
The scientific support for supplements like zinc in treating cough is mixed. A pilot study examining zinc acetate as a treatment for chronic refractory cough found that while the serum zinc levels increased in participants, improvements in cough symptoms and overall quality of life were minimal and did not reach clinically meaningful thresholds. As a result, the researchers concluded that zinc therapy does not offer significant benefits over a placebo for managing chronic cough (see research id='37057088').
On the other hand, zinc therapy has shown promise when used in combination with other treatments, particularly for chronic cough associated with Long COVID. In a novel approach, Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy, which included zinc chloride as part of its regimen, demonstrated a reduction in inflammation and symptoms in a specific case. However, the ability to isolate zinc's contribution to cough relief was limited due to this combination therapy [2]. Moreover, a separate study involving a multifaceted treatment of zinc along with Aspirin and Promethazine showed significant reductions in cough among patients diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19, but similarly, the specific impact of zinc alone could not be discerned (see research id='35783877'). Overall, while zinc may play a role in cough management in specific contexts, its standalone efficacy is not strongly supported by the available research.
Users have reported significant improvements in their symptoms while using this zinc supplement, noting an enhancement in their immune response. Several individuals commented on their ability to fend off common illnesses, with one user stating that their husband managed to avoid any sniffles or cough despite exposure to viruses at work ((Read Review)). Another user emphasized that during their experience with COVID-19, the use of zinc alongside other supplements helped them maintain minimal symptoms like cough and fever ((Read Review)).
In addition to immune support, some users have found that the supplement aids in quicker recovery from symptoms once they arise. One reviewer noted effective relief from cough and cold symptoms, stating that the supplement helped lessen the duration and severity of their fatigue ((Read Review)). Similarly, another user reported that their cough resolved more rapidly when zinc was part of their regimen during illness ((Read Review)). These anecdotes underscore the potential benefits of zinc; however, individual results can vary.
Users have reported positive experiences when combining this zinc supplement with other products for managing cough symptoms. One reviewer highlighted the effectiveness of taking zinc alongside NAC and vitamins C and D during their COVID-19 experience, stating that this combination helped them cope with minimal symptoms, including hardly any cough ((Read Review)). Similarly, another user mentioned that the supplement helped alleviate their cough when used in conjunction with other treatments during a cold, noting a faster resolution of symptoms ((Read Review)).
Additionally, several users emphasized the immune-boosting benefits of this zinc supplement, which complement its role in relieving cough and other cold symptoms. For instance, one user shared that their husband maintained excellent health and avoided respiratory issues despite being exposed to viruses, suggesting that zinc's immune support functions synergistically with other supplements in their regimen ((Read Review)). Overall, the combination of zinc with other supportive vitamins and supplements appears to enhance symptom management among users.
Based on user reviews, it appears that zinc can be effective in treating coughs, especially when used as a part of a broader regimen for immune support during viral illnesses. Users have reported varying experiences, but many found that taking zinc helped to mitigate their symptoms, including cough. One review mentioned that zinc not only helped with cough but also provided relief from fatigue when taken in response to feeling unwell (Read Review). Another user noted that taking zinc sublingually led to a rapid decrease in symptoms like fever and cough (Read Review).
Additionally, it's worth noting that the timing and form of zinc supplementation seem to play a role in effectiveness. One user highlighted the importance of taking zinc alongside other supplements, such as vitamins C and D, to maintain a strong immune response during illness, which resulted in minimal cough symptoms during their experience with COVID-19 (Read Review). Overall, users report that consistent use of zinc, especially at the onset of symptoms, may aid in faster recovery from coughs and other respiratory issues.
The EAT involved weekly treatments for three months. We observed that this therapy not only cleared residual SARS-CoV-2 spike RNA from the epipharyngeal mucosa but also led to a decrease in inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines. While the application of zinc chloride was a significant part of the treatment, it was combined with other elements of EAT, making it challenging to isolate zinc's specific impact on cough relief.
Overall, we found that EAT could be a promising avenue for individuals suffering from chronic cough related to Long COVID, highlighting an innovative way to utilize zinc in managing this persistent symptom.
References
- Balasubramanian A, Holbrook JT, Canning BJ, Que LG, Castro M, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of zinc acetate for treatment of chronic refractory cough: pilot randomised futility trial. ERJ Open Res. 2023;9. doi:10.1183/23120541.00678-2022
- Nishi K, Yoshimoto S, Tanaka T, Kimura S, Shinchi Y, et al. A Potential Novel Treatment for Chronic Cough in Long COVID Patients: Clearance of Epipharyngeal Residual SARS-CoV-2 Spike RNA by Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy. Cureus. 2023;15:e33421. doi:10.7759/cureus.33421
- Kumar GS, Vadgaonkar A, Purunaik S, Shelatkar R, Vaidya VG, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Aspirin, Promethazine, and Micronutrients for Rapid Clinical Recovery in Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Cureus. 2022;14:e25467. doi:10.7759/cureus.25467
