Up to 80% of patients with IPF suffer from a chronic cough. In a study conducted by Birring and colleagues, it was suggested that the mechanism of cough in IPF might be disease specific. An inhaled cromolyn preparation was shown to reduce cough frequency by > 30% in patients with IPF, with relatively minor side effects.
Conventional antitussive therapy is typically not useful in the treatment of IPF.
The use of corticosteroids in IPF may increase mortality and should therefore be limited to patients who may be experiencing an exacerbation of IPF.
Thalidomide used for the treatment of cough in IPF has been shown to provide some improvement to quality of life, but related potential adverse effects can be severe.
Learn more about the management of cough in IPF.
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Cite this: Guy W. Soo Hoo, Zab Mosenifar. Fast Five Quiz: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment - Medscape - Dec 13, 2022.
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