Table 1

Potential management approaches for common symptoms in F-ILD

SymptomApproximate frequency in F-ILDManagement approaches
Dyspnoea54–98% [18]

  • Supplemental oxygen

    Benzodiazepines

    Opiates

    Pulmonary rehabilitation

    Multidisciplinary breathlessness service intervention

Fatigue8–29% [18]

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation

    Supplemental oxygen

Anxiety and depression14–50% [17, 18]

  • Antidepressants

    Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cough59–100% [18]

  • Treat exacerbating factors, e.g. proton pump inhibitors for gastro-oesophageal reflux

    Pirfenidone

    Thalidomide (significant toxicity)

    Target cough reflex with gabapentin or amitriptyline

    Inhaled sodium cromoglycate (trial currently ongoing; clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03864328)