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Dear Doctor: What caused woman's 20-year persistent dry cough?

The article from OregonLive discusses a case of a woman who suffered from a persistent dry cough for 20 years. Initially, her symptoms were attributed to asthma, but treatments like inhalers and allergy medications did not alleviate her condition. After years of ineffective treatments, a new doctor conducted a thorough examination and discovered that her cough was actually due to a condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of the lung tissue. This diagnosis was confirmed through a high-resolution CT scan and a lung biopsy. The article highlights the importance of persistent medical investigation when initial treatments fail, and how misdiagnosis can lead to prolonged suffering. It also touches on the emotional and physical toll of living with an undiagnosed chronic condition, and the relief that comes with finally receiving the correct diagnosis and appropriate management strategies.

Read the Full Oregonian Article at:
[ https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2025/02/dear-doctor-what-caused-womans-20-year-persistent-dry-cough.html ]