Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition-emerging pulmonary issues relating to cough.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are viewed by many as important treatment options for both the management of hypertension and the provision of end-organ protection. ACE inhibitors have not been looked on as having any clearly recognizable direct pulmonary benefits; rather, their pulmonary effects have been felt to be a nuisance by virtue of their association with cough. ACE inhibitor-related cough is well characterized. What is less well appreciated is the relationship between sleep apnea, pneumonia, and ACE inhibitor-related cough. These new pulmonary observations in patients afflicted with an ACE inhibitor-related cough should revive interest in this bothersome side effect.