September 22, 2010

New Drug Helps Prevent A Cough From Being Contagious

University of Alberta researchers have developed an experimental new drug that may be able to completely eliminate airborne disease transmission due to cough.

The way this drug works is by reducing/eliminating the amount of droplets that is expelled during a cough by changing the properties of the lung fluid. The drug comes in the form of a spray that can be inhaled by a sick patient.

It is conceived that this drug would help stop the spread of pandemic outbreaks as well as protect healthcare professionals from catching whatever an ill coughing patient may have. Furthermore, this drug would not necessarily be disease specific. If there's a cough, it'll work.

Reference:
Effect of artificial mucus properties on the characteristics of airborne bioaerosol droplets generated during simulated coughing. Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics, 2010; DOI: 10.1016/j.jnnfm.2010.07.005

Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.


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