The herpes virus led researchers to discover the respiratory tract links two different parts of the nervous system. The findings could improve treatments for coughing.
Led by the University of Queensland’s Stuart Mazzone, the team made the finding after setting out to learn more about the triggers behind excessive coughing.
“Different physical sensations arise from the upper and lower respiratory tracts in people with respiratory diseases,” said Mazzone, from the School of Biomedical Sciences.
“The irritating sensations from the upper respiratory tract are a major driver of excessive coughing.
“Cough hypersensitivity is a debilitating symptom of more than 100 respiratory diseases, yet cough-suppressing treatments generally don’t work.”
