-
I was also diagnosed with silent reflux (GERD) shortly after my diagnosis of IPF. My pulmonologist referred me for a barium swallow test, which came back positive. I was very surprised, as I very seldom had any heartburn or other symptoms, just a chronic, dry cough, which I attributed to allergies. An endoscopy confirmed the diagnosis. I am currently taking omeprazole, 40 mg bid, having been increased from 20 mg bid. My pulmonologist believes the undiagnosed reflux caused my IPF, as I have no other risk factors. My gastroenterologist was skeptical, as there is little research about this, however he has become a believer, as I have had no progression of my disease in almost 10 years, with only the omeprazole for treatment. The little research available shows a high correlation between IPF & GERD, so anyone with IPF & a chronic cough might want to explore whether they might have silent reflux, too.