What can be done about the cough?

[Brecksfield]

Hi everyone. After having a VATS biopsy last December, I now know I have IPF. I have done some research on this lung disease on the internet, and everything you read is negative. At this moment in time, none of this negative information bothers me. I am still active, I go to the gym, mainly for cardio/vascular exercise, but I do have to pace myself now so as not to get breathless. I work full time in a brewery on shifts. However the one thing that gets me down more than anything is that damn cough. I have coughed for years, and used to associate the cough with cold, damp weather. But now I cough all year round. Last year I was in Gran Canaria in that beautiful warm climate, yet I was still coughing.

I would love to know if everyone suffering with IPF has the dreadful cough too? Is there anything that can stop the coughing? Or is it something I am just going to have to live with?

This is my first post on this site, and look forward to any advice or information from fellow sufferers.

Cheers, Tony.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Hi Brecksfield. I don't have IPF but I thought I'd welcome you to the site. I hope someone will be around shortly ans maybe offer you advice. I have emphysema.

[Brecksfield]

Thanks for the welcome. It's nice to know there are people out there to talk to. Enjoy your day. Hope the sun is shining in your area today. It is here in York, and it makes you feel so much better

[scrobbitty]

Hi Tony, and you are most welcome

If you have worries about anything lung related, there is no better solution than to get in touch with the BLF Helpline, 03000 030 555 - they are very helpful. Hope that cough gets sorted very soon, until then take care

[Hidden]

Hi Tony and welcome. I don't have IPF but I do have a bad cough. If you find out anything useful let me know please!

Bev x

[Lynne1955]

Hi Tony, like the others, I too have emphysema but I wanted to say hello.

Lynne xx

[Lynne1955]

Hi Tony, like the others, I too have emphysema but I wanted to say hello.

Lynne xx

[katieoxo60]

Hi Tony, welcome to the site. I can appreciate how you feel about the cough. I have COPD but your discription of your cough sounds the same as mine. Tried all sorts even cough clinic but the cough persists after many years. Like others let us know if you find any possible reliefs.

[Brecksfield]

Thank you all for replying. Its great to hear from you all. The dreaded cough has not been too bad today. I have been to the gym, did 10 mins on the rower, then 20 mins on treadmill (just walking). My consultant, Dr Beirne was very happy to hear I had started exercising again, and I really believe it is good for you.

If I find anything that helps with the cough I will let you know.

Bye for now.

[copdber in reply to Brecksfield]

Just wanted to say welcome, I have a dreadful cough it's the bain of my life it seems my lungs get full of inflamation and that makes my cough worse only thing works for me are steroids.

[Hidden]

Hi there Brecksfield!

I have IPF and Idiopathic Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis (IPPFE) too - aren't I the lucky one!

By chance I was put on co-codamol for a cracked rib and I noticed that my cough was considerably less whilst I was taking them. I asked my GP if I could continue on a low dose and he said that was OK. I now take just half a tab at night and that at least allows me a good nights sleep and I don't get any side effects at all. Hope that helps.

[chubb]

I was prescribed Morphine which did stop the cough, however I also tried Methadone.

The Morphine was great ,I didn't cough at all but I did have numerous chest infections,because the medications stop you from clearing your lungs. They suppress the cough.

[Brecksfield]

One thing I did notice was that after my VATS biopsy, I stopped coughing completely for 6/8 weeks. I guess during that period my lungs were healing. But as soon as the lungs healed after the biopsy the dreaded cough returned. Some days are worse than others, and I still believe that cold and dampness makes my cough worse.

Thanks for all your replies