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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Jeremy Feldman, MD

  • What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
    • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Definition
    • Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Who Gets Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Interstitial Lung Disease vs. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Hereditary?
    • Research, Life Expectancy and Prognosis for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Diagnosing & Monitoring PF
    • Monitoring Progress of IPF
    • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis
    • Chest X-rays Used in IPF
    • CPET used in IPF
    • HRCT Scans Used to Evaluate IPF
    • Lung Biopsy To Diagnose IPF
    • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS)
    • Six Minute Walk Test To Monitor IPF
    • Stages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • PF Treatment Options
    • Esbriet (pirfenidone) Used to Treat IPF
    • OFEV (nintedanib) Used to Treat IPF
    • Pulmonary Rehab for IPF Patients
    • Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Oxygen Used to Treat IPF
      • Update on Oxygen Use
    • Clinical Trials in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF & Leg Swelling
    • Pulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF Exacerbation
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  • FAQ’s
    • Respiratory failure, NSIP, diet
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    • FAQ’s Enzyme Therapy, Progression of IPF & Oxygen
    • FAQ: Diarrhea, Fibrosis Reversal, IPF Symptoms
    • FAQ: Oxygen Flow, Anesthesia & Genetics
    • FAQ: Contagious Cough? Stem Cells, Familial IPF, Flying
    • FAQ: GERD, Fatigue & Environmental Exposure
    • FAQ: How to Travel to Your Doctor’s Office with Oxygen
    • FAQ: Lung Biopsy with Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • FAQ’s: Alcohol, Clinical Trials, Pulmonary Function Testing
    • FAQs: Emphysema, Exercise & Lung Biopsy

Chronic Cough and Pulmonary Fibrosis

August 25, 2017 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

cough medicine One of the symptoms associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic cough. Certain respiratory diseases often cause a moist or wet cough that produces sputum. But people with IPF tend to have a dry cough.

The exact cause of coughing in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is not entirely understood. But it is believed the coughing is due to the scarring of the lungs. One theory is the fibrotic process in the lungs may cause the airways to have increased sensitivity to cough inducing substances.

A chronic cough can range from a nuisance to significant enough to interfere with daily activities, such as sleeping, eating and talking. It can also lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. The good news is there may be things you can do to decrease coughing.

How to Manage Coughing in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Persistent coughing can be difficult to deal with. In some cases, coughing can be so frequent; it decreases your quality of life. Managing your cough starts by talking with your doctor and considering the following:

Rule out other causes: Coughing is often a symptom of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. But coughing may also be caused by more than one condition. For example, postnasal drip, allergies and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can all lead to coughing.

Determining if coughing may also be attributed to something in addition to IPF may be helpful. For example, if you also have GERD, treating that condition may reduce coughing. Let your doctor know the frequency of your cough, whether it is dry or productive and if anything appears to trigger your cough.

Identify Triggers That Lead to Cough: Many patients with IPF can identify triggers that lead to increased coughing. These triggers might include exercising, exposure to certain types of weather such as humidity or heat, talking or irritants in the air such as smoke or perfumes. Keep track of when your cough is worse and note what triggers you might have been exposed to. When possible avoid future exposures.

Discuss medication options with your doctor: Medications may be used to treat coughing in people who have pulmonary fibrosis. Medication options may include:

  • Prednisone: Prednisone is a steroid that decreases inflammation. It may help reduce coughing in people with IPF. Prednisone may have side effects, such as weight gain, sleep disturbances and restlessness.
  • Nebulized lidocaine: Lidocaine is a numbing medication. When administrated through a nebulizer, some studies have shown it may decrease coughing. Most people tolerate nebulized lidocaine well. Side effects may include bitter taste and numbness in the mouth.
  • Benzonatate: Benzonatate may be effective in decreasing cough in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. It is a nonnarcotic cough suppressant. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness and upset stomach.
  • Guaifenesin: Guaifenesin is considered an expectorant and is sometimes effective in decreasing cough in people with IPF. It is available over the counter and in prescription strength. Side effects may include upset stomach and dizziness.
  • Thalidomide: Some research studies indicate thalidomide might decrease coughing in people with IPF. But thalidomide can be toxic and cause a variety of side effects including peripheral neuropathy, dizziness and fatigue. It may also cause birth defects in pregnant women and any contact with the medication should be avoided. Because of the possible toxic side effects, thalidomide should be used with caution.

Additional treatments may be prescribed or recommended based on individual symptoms, tolerance of side effects and severity of coughing. Unfortunately, there is no one treatment for coughing in IPF that is considered most effective. Finding the right medication to treat coughing may involve a little trial and error. In many cases, patients may need to try different treatments to determine what works best.

 

 

 

Content written by Dr. Jeremy Feldman, an expert in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, with contributions by MaryAnn DePietro, B.S. CRT, a licensed respiratory therapist. 

 

Filed Under: IPF Tips

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What is IPF?

  • What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
    • Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Who Gets Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) and IPF
    • Interstitial Lung Disease vs. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Hereditary?
    • Research, Life Expectancy & Prognosis for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Diagnosing IPF

  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis
    • Chest X-rays Used in IPF
    • CPET used in IPF
    • HRCT Scans Used to Evaluate IPF
    • Lung Biopsy To Diagnose IPF
    • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS)
    • Six Minute Walk Test To Monitor IPF
    • Stages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Treating IPF

  • Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Options
    • Esbriet (pirfenidone) Used to Treat IPF
    • OFEV (nintedanib) Used to Treat IPF
    • Pulmonary Rehab for IPF Patients
    • Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Oxygen Used to Treat IPF
    • Clinical Trials in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF & Leg Swelling
    • Pulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF Exacerbation

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