Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Vitamin Shots Helped Chronic Coughs

A chronic cough can be a symptom of allergies, asthma, reflux or a side effect of certain kinds of blood pressure medication. Italian scientists now suggest that an unexplained cough may also be a result of a vitamin B12 deficiency. The researchers studied 42 people with unexplained chronic cough. They were tested for vitamin B12 deficiency and for reaction to inhaled histamine. This compound triggered coughing, especially among those patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Treatment with vitamin B12 injections over two months resulted in a significant improvement. The authors hypothesize that vitamin B12 deficiency affects nerve growth factors and makes upper airways super sensitive. Because vitamin B12 deficiency can occur as a result of long-term use of popular acid-suppressing drugs, people with chronic cough should request a workup for this nutrient.

[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March, 2011]

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
3.7- 3 ratings
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.