Real Lives, Real Impact

The burden of chronic cough in IPF and non-IPF ILD touches every part of life.

From physical pain to emotional distress and social withdrawal, the impact of chronic cough is deeply felt.

Chronic Cough in Their Own Words

“When my cough gets going. I have pain radiating down both of my arms to my fingertips, and it’s so strong that I start crying as I’m coughing.“

— Cheri, US Patient with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

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

Understanding the Physical Impact of Chronic Cough on the Body

Chronic cough can place a heavy physical burden on patients with IPF and non-IPF ILD. These conditions already cause significant physical stress, and the added strain of chronic cough can make everyday life feel even more exhausting.

Pain & Soreness

Constant coughing can cause chest pain and soreness in your ribs and stomach muscles. In more severe cases, it can even lead to pulled muscles or fractured ribs.1,2

Breathlessness & Headaches

Intense coughing fits can leave you short of breath, trigger headaches or migraines, and sometimes even cause vomiting.1,2

Fatigue & Low Energy

Coughing day after day can be exhausting, contributing to low energy levels. Chronic cough can also make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to poor rest and increased fatigue.1-3

Understanding the Social & Emotional Toll of Chronic Cough

Chronic cough is unpredictable. Even when you’re not actively coughing, the urge to cough can linger, creating a constant sense of tension. This unpredictability often leads to anxiety, as you find yourself bracing for a coughing fit that could happen at any moment.

Steve

Chronic Cough in Their Own Words

“I’ll get almost a migraine from the coughing, and so I am trying to suppress it as much as I can. And if I could reduce the intensity of the cough, and the amount of times I cough, it would be, you know, like would be a different thing for me.“

— Steve, US Patient with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

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

%

72% of patients with IPF and non-IPF ILD report social embarrassment due to coughing.4

Because coughing is often perceived as a sign of contagious illness, patients may feel stigmatized, leading to reduced self-esteem and social withdrawal.

Professional Impact

For individuals in speaking-intensive roles, like teachers, customer service professionals, or public speakers, frequent coughing can interfere with job performance or even make it impossible to continue working.5

Social Impact

Cough-related anxiety and stigma, coupled with the physical impact, can lead to reduced social interaction and strain relationships, especially when others don’t understand the condition or its impact.6

Terry

Chronic Cough in Their Own Words

“I speak publicly, and I teach at my church, and I’m always embarrassed that I have to stop and cough so much. And so, it is. It is consuming.“

— Terry, US Patient with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

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

References

  1. Morice AH, et al. Recommendations for the management of cough in adults. Eur Respir J. 2020;55(1):1901136. doi:10.1183/13993003.01136-2019
  2. Polverino, M., Polverino, F., Fasolino, M., Andò, F., Alfieri, A., & De Blasio, F. (2012). Anatomy and neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc. Multidisciplinary respiratory medicine, 7(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-6958-7-5
  3. Green, R., Baldwin, M., Pooley, N. et al. The burden of cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases: a systematic evidence synthesis. Respir Res 25, 325 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-024-02897-w
  4. Dicpinigaitis PV, et al. Chronic cough: state-of-the-art review. Chest. 2023;163(2):486–497. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2022.09.014
  5. Morice AH, et al. Cough in interstitial lung disease. Eur Respir Rev. 2021;30(162):210127. doi:10.1183/16000617.0127-2021
  6. Behr J, et al. Real-life characteristics and management of patients with fibrosing interstitial lung disease: INSIGHTS-ILD registry. ERJ Open Res. 2025;11:00926-2024. doi:10.1183/23120541.00926-2024

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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