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Diabetes Drugs Linked to Stubborn Cough
6 Dec
Summary
- GLP-1 drugs increase chronic cough risk by up to 25 percent.
- This cough can cause sharp chest pain and headaches.
- Risk remains even in patients without GERD history.
Revolutionary diabetes and weight loss medications, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are now associated with an increased risk of developing a chronic cough. This condition, persisting for at least eight weeks, has been observed in up to 25 percent more patients using these drugs compared to those on alternative diabetes treatments. The cough can be severe, potentially causing sharp chest pain and trigger headaches.
Researchers found this link to be surprisingly strong, even in individuals without a history of GERD, a common cause of chronic cough. This suggests the mechanism may involve laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or direct stimulation of the vagus nerve, rather than typical heartburn symptoms. Treating this cough may require approaches beyond standard GERD medications.
These GLP-1s, popular for their significant weight loss effects, are used by a growing percentage of Americans. However, beyond the chronic cough, patients may experience other side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and potential weight regain upon cessation, alongside reported instances of self-harm ideation.
