Living with chronic cough: experiences, burden and management in ILD: a qualitative study

Abstract

Chronic cough (CC) defined as lasting > 8 weeks, affects up to 84% of people with interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, their experiences with CC and management needs are rarely explored. This study reports on the characteristics, burden and management experienced by people with ILD living with CC.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 participants with CC and ILD (6 males; 65.4±6.0 years; FVC 57±0.2 pp). Thematic analysis was performed.

Themes and subthemes are in Fig. 1. Participants elaborated on their personal and medical history and contributing factors to CC. Cough usually started at diagnosis and deteriorated over time, occurring at different times of the day and lasting seconds to minutes. Triggers included oxygen therapy, morning phlegm, exertion, emotions, and talking. Cough was especially a burden during daily life activities (e.g., self-care, housework). Interacting with others was described as inconvenient and accompanied by feelings of guilt, frustration, and embarrassment. Participants’ strategies to manage CC included behaviour change, strategies learned from pulmonary rehabilitation and over-the-counter medications, all with limited effectiveness.

This study highlights the unique experiences of people with ILD living with CC, describing their triggers, management strategies and impact on their quality of life. Future research needs to explore effective management for CC in ILD.