Severity of cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is associated with MUC5 B genotype.

Background: A polymorphism (rs35705950) in the promoter region of the mucin MUC5B is associated with both familial and sporadic forms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. (IPF) We hypothesize that this common MUC5B variant will impact the expression of cough, a frequent disabling symptom seen in subjects with IPF.

Methods: We genotyped 136 subjects with IPF.