Persistant, non-productive cough: Part of having IPF?
I as diagnosed with IPF several months ago and am taking Ofev with minimal side effects, so far. I'm also taking industrial-strength, prescription Nexium for GERD. In the last month or so, a shallow, non-productive cough has gotten worse and more frequent. When I roll over at night, I cough. Is this something that comes with IPF? Any ideas how to deal with it?
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What is IPF
IPF Stands for Idiopathic ( unknown cause) Pulmonary Fibrosis. It is a specific type of Interstitial Lung Disease (IDL) or diseases that cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Kathryn
I wonder if that is what’s going on with me. I’ve been exposed to wildfire smoke the last 2 summers and ozone. I’m very active especially with cycling and hiking.
I found this information from Harvard Health:
- That nagging cough https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/that-nagging-cough
"Dozens of conditions can cause a recurrent, lingering cough, but the lion's share are caused by just five: postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic bronchitis, and treatment with ACE inhibitors, used for high blood pressure."
@robtlhughes, coughing can be part of pulmonary fibrosis or maybe it's related to GERD. On this page, you'll find some tips to calm the cough from the Lung Association related to IPF https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/ipf/living-ipf), such as:
- Quit smoking. Stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Avoid irritants. Are there things in your environment (home, work, or play) that are causing the cough?
- Relaxation and breathing control.
- Check to see if something else is causing the cough, for example, postnasal drip, acid reflux (heartburn).
- Find if there is a medication you take that as causing the cough, for example a blood pressure medication.
@jsmtgal, do you also have pulmonary fibrosis? Or are you trying to find answers about a persistent cough?
I was diagnosed with ILD in January of 2021, I had gone to my doctor because I was having shortness of breath. My doctor sent me to have a Chest X-ray, and my Chest X-ray showed scarring on my lungs. Unfortunately that is why I know about this. You should definitely get this checked out, since once you have scarring on your lungs, the damage can’t be reversed. You need to try to stop the progression. Kathryn
Thanks. I mistakenly posted this under Lung Health instead of Pulmonary Fibrosis. (It wouldn't let me delete it and post it in the right place.) I have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and GERD. The GERD cough is mostly after eating and productive. The dry cough can be anytime. I think it has something to do with IPF. But I'd welcome ideas how to control it. Thanks.
Thanks. I've been taking Ofev for three months plus, and so-far so-good.
You are welcome, hope everything continues to be good for you with Ofev. Kathryn
TRying to find out the cause of this cough. It is only for a short time when I roll over in bed. I have no other health issues. None that you mentioned. I do not smoke either. although I was exposed to passive smoke growing up. I am thinking it could be the excessive exposure to wildfire smoke. thank you.
TRYING BUT DID CLEAR MINE UP WITH (AIRBORNE) BUT HAD ALL THE CAUSES YOU TALKED ABOUT