3. Dry Cough
One of the most common signs of PF is a dry unresponsive cough. A dry cough is not always associated with pulmonary fibrosis since it is also present in a wide variety of other conditions and diseases. Even the common cold results in a cough, making it harder to pinpoint PF as a cause in many patients. In most cases, a cough is caused by an infection in the lungs or excess amounts of mucus.
When lungs and airways become irritated, it will cause a person to cough. In the case of those suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, the irritation is a result of scar tissue that forms due to the disease. The cough that accompanies pulmonary fibrosis patients is a dry cough that persists regardless of treatment.
As the disease progresses, a cough will worsen. Often this cough is paired with shortness of breath and flu-like symptoms that result in the need for palliative treatment and care.