Zinc Acetate to Improve Chronic Cough (ZICO)

The American Lung Association Airways Clinical Research Center (ACRC) network is evaluating measurements of cough symptoms and the impact of cough on quality of life for people with chronic cough. A chronic cough is a cough that lasts at least 8 weeks, but often much longer. Chronic cough is common, affecting 9-12% of the population. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and may lead to social isolation, lack of sleep, and chronic fatigue. Some people find that their chronic cough gets better when they take medicines for asthma, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or sinus problems. Other people are not helped by these or other medicines. People with a cough that does not respond to treatments are said to have chronic refractory cough.

The Pilot of Zinc Acetate to Improve Chronic Cough (ZICO) study is testing whether zinc acetate is safe and tolerable to use for treating chronic refractory cough. ZICO is a 9-week study with 5 clinic visits and 1 phone visit. Patients will be asked to fill out a daily Cough Diary while in the study. At visits, patients will do breathing tests, complete questionnaires and have their blood drawn.