Patient Perception of Cough in Interstitial Lung Disease; Impact of Cough Hypersensitivity.

Introduction: Cough is common in interstitial lung disease (ILD) and is associated with disease progression, yet its mechanisms are understudied. We investigated cough hypersensitivity features and impact in ILD.

Methods: Participants with ILD and cough (n = 195) completed a multiple choice and free text questionnaire on cough sensations/triggers and impacts.

Results: The majority of participants were male (54%), aged > 65 (64%), with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF, 75%). Common cough triggers were body position (74%), physical activity (72%), and talking (62%). Common laryngeal sensations were globus (43%), and itch/tickle (42%). Cough impacted everyday life in 55%, and all activities in 31%, causing exhaustion (59%), social embarrassment (70%), urinary incontinence (46% females), and syncope/pre-syncope (12%). The total number of cough-provoking sensations/triggers correlated with impacts; ρ = 0.73, p < 0.001.

Conclusion: Cough hypersensitivity symptoms are prevalent in ILD and detrimentally affect quality of life. Further studies investigating mechanisms of cough hypersensitivity and targeted pharmacotherapy are warranted.