Cough is a major defence reflex of the airways and is necessary for the effective clearance of excess bronchial secretions. The two distinct types of cough receptors are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors (RAR) and C-fibre receptors. The study was conducted to determine the efficacy of capsaicin versus citric acid on cough threshold to improve chest clearance and decrease retention of secretions in patients after upper abdominal surgery. Thirty patients were enrolled in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected subjects were assigned into two groups: Group A (patients received capsaicin to induce cough) and Group B (patients received citric acid to induce cough). Cough was stimulated by giving two irritants then various parameters were noted. All variables were compared between the two groups for pre and post value to determine the difference in variables. There was a significant depression in sensitivity to inhaled irritants on the post op day 3 and almost return of normal cough threshold was seen on post operative day 4.
