The integrated surface abdominal electromyogram (EMG) has been used as a simple measurement of cough intensity which correlates well with the volume, air flow and noise produced in different coughs. Using the integrated abdominal EMG as a measure of cough intensity, dose response curves to inhaled citric acid can be drawn which are highly reproducible. We have studied the effects of codeine (60 mg) on these curves, and have demonstrated a reduction in cough intensity. It is suggested that this method of testing the effects of an antitussive on such a dose-response curve may be a useful one.