We conducted a pilot trial to explore the effectiveness of zinc acetate in treating chronic refractory cough, a condition that causes significant discomfort for many people. In this study, we compared zinc acetate against a placebo over a period of six weeks, with the aim of measuring improvements in quality of life and cough symptoms using several established questionnaires.
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.
Read More
9
Zinc therapy shows promise for cough
A Potential Novel Treatment for Chronic Cough in Long COVID Patients: Clearance of Epipharyngeal Residual SARS-CoV-2 Spike RNA by Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy.
We explored the effectiveness of Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy (EAT) in addressing chronic cough, particularly in the context of Long COVID. This treatment, prevalent in Japan, uses zinc chloride to reduce inflammation in the epipharyngeal mucosa. We followed a 21-year-old man whose chronic cough persisted for four months after a mild COVID-19 infection. Upon diagnosis, we identified chronic epipharyngitis as the culprit behind his ongoing cough.
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.
Read More
8
Zinc in mixed COVID treatment
Efficacy and Safety of Aspirin, Promethazine, and Micronutrients for Rapid Clinical Recovery in Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
We conducted a rigorous randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative treatment involving a combination of two tablets: one with Aspirin and Promethazine, and another packed with essential micronutrients like vitamin D3, C, B3, zinc, and selenium. Our aim was to determine how this combination affects the symptoms of mild to moderate COVID-19, particularly cough.
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.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Prevents cough effects
3 people found this helpful
My husband has been working overtime for 3 months and I believe that zinc helps keep viruses at bay—he hasn’t had a single sniffle or cough despite the bug circulating in his office and his sleep deprivation.
Read More
9
Cough-free during illness
This is one of the best bioavailable forms of zinc, providing excellent immune support during viral illnesses. While I had covid, I started taking zinc, NAC, and vitamins C and D. I managed to cope with minimal symptoms—hardly any cough, and my temperature only slightly rose.
Read More
9
Avoided cough entirely
I avoided coughs, colds, and even covid this past winter season. An excellent product!
A Potential Novel Treatment for Chronic Cough in Long COVID Patients: Clearance of Epipharyngeal Residual SARS-CoV-2 Spike RNA by Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy.
We explored the effectiveness of Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy (EAT) in addressing chronic cough, particularly in the context of Long COVID. This treatment, prevalent in Japan, uses zinc chloride to reduce inflammation in the epipharyngeal mucosa. We followed a 21-year-old man whose chronic cough persisted for four months after a mild COVID-19 infection. Upon diagnosis, we identified chronic epipharyngitis as the culprit behind his ongoing cough.
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.
Read More
8
Zinc in mixed COVID treatment
Efficacy and Safety of Aspirin, Promethazine, and Micronutrients for Rapid Clinical Recovery in Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
We conducted a rigorous randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative treatment involving a combination of two tablets: one with Aspirin and Promethazine, and another packed with essential micronutrients like vitamin D3, C, B3, zinc, and selenium. Our aim was to determine how this combination affects the symptoms of mild to moderate COVID-19, particularly cough.
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.
Read More
2
Zinc acetate ineffective for cough
Efficacy and tolerability of zinc acetate for treatment of chronic refractory cough: pilot randomised futility trial.
We conducted a pilot trial to explore the effectiveness of zinc acetate in treating chronic refractory cough, a condition that causes significant discomfort for many people. In this study, we compared zinc acetate against a placebo over a period of six weeks, with the aim of measuring improvements in quality of life and cough symptoms using several established questionnaires.
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.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.6
All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
9
Prevents cough effects
3 people found this helpful
My husband has been working overtime for 3 months and I believe that zinc helps keep viruses at bay—he hasn’t had a single sniffle or cough despite the bug circulating in his office and his sleep deprivation.
Read More
9
Cough-free during illness
This is one of the best bioavailable forms of zinc, providing excellent immune support during viral illnesses. While I had covid, I started taking zinc, NAC, and vitamins C and D. I managed to cope with minimal symptoms—hardly any cough, and my temperature only slightly rose.
Read More
9
Avoided cough entirely
I avoided coughs, colds, and even covid this past winter season. An excellent product!
Read More
9
Eases cough symptoms
The quality is excellent. I take it when I feel tired, have a cough, or catch a cold. It effectively relieves symptoms and pain to a large extent while reducing fatigue duration.
Read More
9
Quick cough relief
This zinc is of good quality and does not cause cramps. I usually take it sublingually by opening one capsule and holding the salt under my tongue for 4-5 minutes. It provides an energy boost, and the symptoms of fever and cough dissipate quickly.
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 for seeing results from taking zinc supplements for cough can vary. Many users report experiencing relief relatively quickly, often within a few days. For instance, one user emphasized that symptoms of fever and cough dissipated quickly after taking zinc sublingually Read Review. Another noted that their cough improved faster when zinc was part of their regimen during a cold Read Review.
Additionally, users highlighted the importance of zinc in bolstering the immune system, which seemed to prevent coughs and colds altogether during the winter season Read Review. While individual experiences may differ, many indicated that timely immune support from zinc can lead to rapid alleviation of symptoms associated with cough.
While there is some evidence suggesting that zinc may play a role in managing cough, the overall support for its effectiveness is limited. A pilot study focusing on zinc acetate for chronic refractory cough showed that while participants experienced an increase in serum zinc levels, the improvements in cough symptoms and quality of life were minimal and did not reach meaningful clinical thresholds. This led the researchers to conclude that zinc therapy does not provide significant advantages over a placebo for managing chronic cough [1].
In another study exploring zinc's use within a combination treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19, significant improvements in cough were noted, but the specific impact of zinc alone was not isolated, as it was part of a broader intervention that included other medications and micronutrients [3]. Additionally, while a novel approach using zinc chloride showed promise in addressing chronic cough related to Long COVID, it too involved multiple therapy components, making it difficult to delineate zinc's specific contribution [2]. Overall, while these studies hint at potential benefits, the current research does not robustly support zinc as an effective standalone treatment for cough.
Users have shared encouraging experiences regarding the role of zinc in alleviating coughs and supporting overall health. For instance, one individual noted that their husband, despite facing exposure to viruses at work, remained without cough or sniffles thanks to zinc's immune-boosting properties Read Review. Another user reported that during their bout with COVID-19, the use of zinc alongside other supplements resulted in minimal symptoms, specifically noting a significant reduction in coughing and only a slight fever Read Review.
Moreover, several users have expressed that zinc supports them in avoiding illness altogether, with many reaffirming that they spent a cold season free from coughs and colds Read Review. Others have mentioned that when they do catch a cold, zinc assists in experiencing faster recovery times, reporting a noticeable decrease in coughing severity Read Review. These anecdotal accounts underscore the potential benefits of zinc in managing respiratory symptoms, although individual results can vary.
Users have reported positive experiences when combining zinc supplements with other health products to manage cough symptoms effectively. One user noted that taking zinc alongside NAC, as well as vitamins C and D, provided robust immune support during a bout with COVID-19, resulting in minimal symptoms, particularly a significant reduction in coughing Read Review. Another user highlighted the effectiveness of zinc when combined with Quercetin, stating it helped alleviate a persistent cough they experienced Read Review.
Furthermore, many users emphasized that zinc alone is beneficial, often leading to faster recovery times from coughs and colds when incorporated into their routine. One user mentioned that their cough disappeared more swiftly when zinc was part of their regimen during cold episodes Read Review. Overall, anecdotal evidence suggests that users see value in combining zinc with other supplements for enhanced relief from cough-related symptoms, affirming its role in bolstering immune health.
Based on user reviews, there appears to be a consensus that zinc supplementation can be beneficial in reducing cough and overall cold symptoms. Users have reported that taking zinc, especially in bioavailable forms, has helped maintain their immune function and alleviate symptoms during viral illnesses. For instance, one reviewer noted, "I started taking zinc... I managed to cope with minimal symptoms—hardly any cough" Read Review, highlighting its effectiveness during illness. Another user emphasized that they use zinc regularly when feeling symptoms of a cold, stating that "the cough goes away faster with zinc" Read Review.
While specific dosing recommendations are not detailed in the reviews, users commonly report relief from coughs and cold symptoms through consistent use. One user specifically mentioned taking zinc sublingually to hasten symptom relief, stating that "the symptoms of fever and cough dissipate quickly" Read Review. This indicates that different methods of administration, as well as maintaining a consistent intake, may contribute to effective outcomes in managing cough symptoms.
9
Quick cough relief
This zinc is of good quality and does not cause cramps. I usually take it sublingually by opening one capsule and holding the salt under my tongue for 4-5 minutes. It provides an energy boost, and the symptoms of fever and cough dissipate quickly.
7.5
Reduces cough quickly
Good zinc. This is not the first time I've purchased it; my husband takes it regularly, and I use it myself when I have a cold. The cough goes away faster with zinc.
9
Avoided cough entirely
I avoided coughs, colds, and even covid this past winter season. An excellent product!
9
Prevents cough effects
3 people found this helpful
My husband has been working overtime for 3 months and I believe that zinc helps keep viruses at bay—he hasn’t had a single sniffle or cough despite the bug circulating in his office and his sleep deprivation.
9
Cough-free during illness
This is one of the best bioavailable forms of zinc, providing excellent immune support during viral illnesses. While I had covid, I started taking zinc, NAC, and vitamins C and D. I managed to cope with minimal symptoms—hardly any cough, and my temperature only slightly rose.
9
Effective for cough
Zinc Picolinate and Quercetin will alleviate a persistent cough after the recent rubbish! I highly recommend it!
2
Zinc acetate ineffective for cough
Efficacy and tolerability of zinc acetate for treatment of chronic refractory cough: pilot randomised futility trial.
We conducted a pilot trial to explore the effectiveness of zinc acetate in treating chronic refractory cough, a condition that causes significant discomfort for many people. In this study, we compared zinc acetate against a placebo over a period of six weeks, with the aim of measuring improvements in quality of life and cough symptoms using several established questionnaires.
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.
8
Zinc in mixed COVID treatment
Efficacy and Safety of Aspirin, Promethazine, and Micronutrients for Rapid Clinical Recovery in Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
We conducted a rigorous randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative treatment involving a combination of two tablets: one with Aspirin and Promethazine, and another packed with essential micronutrients like vitamin D3, C, B3, zinc, and selenium. Our aim was to determine how this combination affects the symptoms of mild to moderate COVID-19, particularly cough.
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.
9
Zinc therapy shows promise for cough
A Potential Novel Treatment for Chronic Cough in Long COVID Patients: Clearance of Epipharyngeal Residual SARS-CoV-2 Spike RNA by Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy.
We explored the effectiveness of Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy (EAT) in addressing chronic cough, particularly in the context of Long COVID. This treatment, prevalent in Japan, uses zinc chloride to reduce inflammation in the epipharyngeal mucosa. We followed a 21-year-old man whose chronic cough persisted for four months after a mild COVID-19 infection. Upon diagnosis, we identified chronic epipharyngitis as the culprit behind his ongoing cough.
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