How to deal with chronic cough in interstitial lung disease (ILD)?

Chronic cough is a major symptom in interstitial lung diseases (ILD), especially as the fibrotic process progresses. No matter what the ILD diagnosis is, dry debilitating cough can go alongside breathlessness and really impact our patients' quality of life. In this episode I try to give a few suggestions as to how we might be able to deal with this symptom.

It is very important to highlight that cough can be multifactorial, even in the context of ILD. Our patients may be having gastroesophageal reflux, postnasal drip, cough variant asthma, some form of allergy or occupational/environmental exposure. Cough may also have a psychogenic component that also needs to be addressed. Going over all these frequent causes of cough and providing advice or treatment as appropriate can sometimes help improve our patient's cough.

Please leave comments below if you want me to cover other topics in ILD.

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The opinions presented on this channel are my own and do not constitute medical advice in specific cases. If you are watching/listening to this content as a patient, you must seek personalized advice from your own healthcare team (who can provide you with a consultation and appropriate treatment and advice. This information presented here may not apply in your case. If you are a health professional, please use your professional judgement when treating patients.

[sandywoodothervoices]

I suffer from violent coughing episodes several times a day. I also was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis five years ago. Thankfully scarring has not advanced in the intervening years. It was a relief to hear that the use of opioids in small doses has been proven effective. I take small doses throughout the day (1 and 1/2ml) which allows me to have limited time with friends without embarrassing episodes which often include vomiting. I’m so glad I found your video.

[terryboulay]

8:35 I'm 68 and this is wonderful information that I'd not heard before

[daisies]

I love your videos! So simply expressed for non-medical people and extremely helpful for us who suffer from Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis. Thank you also for your caring, understanding and helpful nature to us all. I had no idea that my constantly running nose was part of the disease. I just can't keep up with enough boxes of tissues.

[msagist]

I'm listening so attentively, you have made a student out of me😂.I'm valuing this information so much. Thanks a million 👌🏽🇿🇦

[jacquelineadams]

I suffer from violent coughing episodes upon exertion and at night. I become breathless during conversations of two or more sentences. I take prednisone (10 mg) does not really help with the coughing but the breathing is better. Great to hear of other means to control coughing and will discuss these options on my visit with ILD specialist and pulmonologist.
Very informative video.
Trying to get oxygen now also.

[jacquelineadams]

Thank you. We'll informed too me. Appreciate your response to me❤❤

[pamelacoleman]

Thank you for your video. This is a difficult situation.

[rosypc]

Very helpful thank you and i like your modesty

[rebeccagutierrez]

Thank you so much for this video. I learned a lot I do cough a lot I do have fibrosis. My doctor never talk to me about these things. I will bring it up next time I see her thank you and God bless.

[dfrio]

Thank you for this video...immensely helpful

[gscksv]

I have been seeing many of your presentations on ILD/ ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Though I was diagnosed IPF 6 months ago, perhaps I might have had quite earlier. Your information on videos are quite educative & useful. Thanks.
I was referred & scheduled Appointment next week to consult the Specialist Doctor in the Center for Advanced Lung Disease, Dallas, So, I’m a bit anxious about what the doctor would say about the condition of my IPF.

[tubular]

Even though this video is 1 yr. old, I hope you get my comment. I have been diagnosed with ILD. I’m in my early 70s. I’ve had cough (both dry and productive) for years. I have never had a thorough discussion with any doctors about cough. Your description of Post Nasal drip and or Rhinitis resonates with me. Where can I learn more about these and their treatments? Interestingly the only things that can give temporary relief are Advil or Tylenol. Doctors mostly say that’s interesting but the Tylenol doesn’t make any sense. Can you comment on the above?

[VijayKumar-zksg]

Happy to find your video and helped me a lot

[merlearicheta]

Good day Doc, my x ray and ct scan shows that I have subsegmental atelectasis and/or pulmunary parenchymal fibrosis, bilateral. May I know how serious is this?

[marjodorsonnens]

What about coughing up blood in the morning?

[MarshaBarney-cdjb]

I found a drop of peppermint oil on a finger then press to the roof of my mouth help bring me out of coughing non stop.

[prajaktasawalkar]

Hi, my mother is having ILD which was detected 2 months back. Her CT scan shows fibrosis and is considered as a post-covid effect. She also got porous intestinal disease, it was a small rupture in the intestine.She is back home and has coughing triggered mainly after she walks for almost 6 meters. She feels tired, has breathlessness and coughs for around 20-30 mins after that 6 m of walk. Your pointers have been very helpful, will follow them and give you a feedback if that helps.we have ruled out the dust allergy symptoms, the only trigger we feel is any kind of physical activity and sleeping straight on the back.
Please guide me if you have any more suggestions.

[lesleyclarke-fuzv]

I find a spoonful of honey helps with the cough and also cough medicine at the start of the day and before bed.

[lesliecrossmon]

How about enzymes? Do they work on PF? I have a very wet nasal drip cough first thing in the morning. Almost feel like I'm downing! It last about ten min or so.

[suepumphrey]

Can a woman who has never smoked have IPF? so far I have ILD. My lung dr hasnot said which one.