Cough Induction in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Author Information
Author(s): Richard M. Jones, Simon Hilldrup, Benjamin D. M. Hope-Gill, Ronald Eccles, Nicholas K. Harrison
Primary Institution: Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
Hypothesis
Changes in nerves modulating mechanical sensitivity in areas of interstitial fibrosis might lead to enhanced cough response to mechanical stimulation of the chest in IPF.
Conclusion
Patients with IPF show enhanced cough reflex sensitivity to mechanical stimulation of the chest wall, while normal individuals show little or no response.
Supporting Evidence
- Mechanical percussion induced a true cough reflex in 85% of IPF subjects.
- Significant differences in cough counts were observed between IPF patients and healthy controls.
- Low frequency stimulation over the lung base induced cough in more patients with IPF.
Takeaway
This study found that patients with a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis cough more easily when their chest is tapped compared to healthy people.
Methodology
The study involved 27 patients with IPF and 30 healthy controls, using mechanical percussion on the chest to induce cough and measuring responses.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux unless on medication.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with certain conditions that could affect cough responses, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
27 patients with IPF (63% male, mean age 71.7 years) and 30 healthy non-smokers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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