Abstract Rationale Chronic cough is common in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non-IPF interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). It can impair patients’ functional status, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. We developed and administered a survey specifically focused on the burden of chronic cough in patients living with ILD. Methods The anonymous online survey was administered via a third-party platform to patients in the US Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s Community Registry. Eligible respondents were adults who self-reported diagnoses of IPF or non-IPF ILD and a chronic cough (cough lasting 8 weeks). Cough severity in the last 24 hours was assessed using an 11-point numerical rating scale (CS-NRS) from 0-10. For analysis, we defined cough as follows: None (0), Mild (1-3), Moderate (4-6), and Severe (7-10). The survey included multiple-choice and open-ended questions across demographics; disease history; cough characteristics; impact of cough on daily life, social functioning, emotional well-being; and healthcare experience. Results 197 respondents with chronic cough completed the survey. Most were aged 60-79 years (69%), diagnosed with IPF (76%), and had cough for ≥2 years (76%). Worsening cough severity from its onset was reported by 61% of respondents. Among those with severe cough in the last 24 hours, physical sensations and cough frequency/duration were the most frequently cited reasons for their rating. Many respondents reported limited improvement in cough from therapeutic interventions, with only 11% reporting effective relief. 96% of respondents reported worrying about their cough, and 75% felt their cough contributed to feelings of depression, sadness, or low mood at some point. 76% of respondents felt their cough interfered with their routine. Additionally, cough resulted in 67% of respondents avoiding social situations. 55% of respondents felt their cough affected their ability or desire to maintain physical or intimate relationships, and 61% felt their cough impacted relationships with family, friends, or colleagues (Table 1). Conclusions Chronic cough affects patients living with IPF and non-IPF ILD across multiple domains of life. Negative impacts of cough on emotional well-being and social functioning were reported by many respondents, and disruption to daily routines was common, particularly among those with severe cough. Cough generally worsened over time, and attempts at treatment were often unsuccessful. There remains a major unmet need for effective, targeted treatments to address the many burdens chronic cough imposes on patients’ lives. This abstract is funded by: Trevi Therapeutics
Swigris et al. (2026) studied this question.