What causes cough in pulmonary fibrosis, and how should we treat it?

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review the current understanding of the impact, mechanisms and treatments for cough in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Evidence suggests that cough is a prevalent symptom in patients with ILD and has a significant impact on patients.

Recent findings: There is increasing interest in the role of cough hypersensitivity as seen in chronic refractory cough in patients with ILD, and encouraging recent results suggest that ILD-associated cough responds to opiate therapy.

Summary: Understanding the aetiology of cough in patients with ILD is crucial to continue to develop therapies which might be effective in reducing cough and increasing quality of life.