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This article presents a study, which seeks to examine whether inhaled beta-agonists control cough in upper respiratory infections or acute bronchitis. It notes that even without a history of lung disease, patients presenting with cough due to acute respiratory illness and with evidence of airflow obstruction appear to receive symptom relief from inhaled beta-agonists. Smokers may be another subgroup who benefit from treatment. However, important patient-oriented outcomes do not improve. If using inhaled albuterol to treat acute cough in practice, one must also consider the financial costs and adverse effects associated with treatment.