Champions of Chronic Cough

Navigating Chronic Cough in IPF and Non-IPF ILD

If you are living with chronic cough or supporting someone who is, know that you are not alone.

Navigating chronic cough can be a daily challenge for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and patients with non-IPF interstitial lung disease (ILD). Caring4Cough offers resources to help you better understand chronic cough and take the next step toward support and answers.

Chronic Cough in Their Own Words

“The cough is the one thing, the biggest thing, that I don’t have control over, and it’s so disruptive to our life—such an interference in so many things we try to do.”

— Lee, US Patient with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Image for illustrative purposes. Individual is not a patient.

*This quote is from a patient who was compensated for their participation in a patient advisory board.

Chronic cough is a common and debilitating condition in patients with IPF and non-IPF ILD. In the United States, there are…

150,000 Patients with IPF.1-3

Two-thirds of these patients have an uncontrolled chronic cough.4

228,000 Patients with non-IPF ILD.5

50-60% of these patients have an uncontrolled chronic cough.6

Chronic cough is defined as a cough lasting longer than 8 weeks that does not improve despite treatment for possible underlying causes.7

I want to learn more about…

Causes of Chronic Cough

Community & Resources

The Need for Treatments

The Burden of Chronic Cough

Chronic Cough in Their Own Words

“Describing it to someone is nearly impossible. There’s no way you can accurately describe something that completely debilitates you.”

— US, Female Patient with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

*This quote is from a patient who was compensated for their participation in a patient advisory board.

Suffering from chronic cough and concerned it could be a sign of IPF or non-IPF ILD?

This information is intended to help patients and caregivers gain a clearer understanding of the presenting signs of IPF and non-IPF ILD. If you agree with the following statements, you may want to speak with your physician as soon as possible to discuss your answers.

Please note: This tool is not intended to diagnose IPF, non-IPF ILD, or chronic cough. It is meant to support conversations with your healthcare provider and guide you toward appropriate next steps.

  • You have experienced a dry and persistent cough that has not gone away.8
  • You feel short of breath during everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even while resting.8
  • You often feel tired or weak, even after getting enough sleep.8
  • You experience chest discomfort or aching, especially when taking deep breaths.9
  • You breathe more quickly or shallowly than usual, even when you’re not exerting yourself.9
  • You have seen changes in your fingertips, such as swelling or rounding (known as clubbing).9
  • You feel generally unwell or have aching muscles and joints.8
  • You have lost weight without trying.8

Find a Respiratory Specialist Near You:

United States Medical Care

References

  1. Raghu G et al. ERJ 2016 doi: 10.1183/13993003.01653-2015
  2. Raghu G et al. Lancet Respir Med 2014 doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(14)70101-8
  3. U.S. Census NC-EST2023-AGESEX-RES
  4. Interviews and quantitative study conducted by Indegene for Trevi, June 2022 with US pulmonologists (n = 100)
  5. Trevi Internal Analysis
  6. Based on survey conducted by Trevi Therapeutics
  7. Behr J, Kreuter M, Guenther AU, et al. Real-life characteristics and management of patients with fibrosing interstitial lung disease: INSIGHTS-ILD registry. ERJ Open Res. 2025;11(3):00926-2024. doi:10.1183/23120541.00926-2024
  8. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). Interstitial lung diseases: Symptoms. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases/symptoms
  9. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Interstitial lung disease. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17809-interstitial-lung-disease

Trevi Therapeutics New Haven, CT.

Caring4Cough is an educational initiative by Trevi Therapeutics, intended for U.S. residents only. The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

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