Persistent cough, mucus production can be associated with heart failure

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps protect the respiratory system by pushing foreign particles out of the lungs and airways. The cough usually subsides once the irritation goes away. But a persistent cough can have other causes.

In fact, the underlying cause of a persistent cough that produces white or pink mucus could be heart failure, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). This is called a cardiac cough and can also cause shortness of breath or wheezing. Experts explain that this happens because when the heart is working less efficiently, blood can back up into the pulmonary veins – the vessels that carry blood from the lungs to the heart – causing fluid to leak into the lungs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.2 million Americans currently live with congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

Often, a cough that doesn’t stop is a symptom of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, according to Cleveland Cliniceven with this disease, the cough will subside once the inflammation in the lungs is controlled.

Experts say that if the cough persists after treatment, even if the patient is diagnosed with a respiratory illness, doctors should assess the patient for heart failure. “I’ve seen patients who were first diagnosed with breathing problems. Over time, when symptoms didn’t improve with proper treatment, doctors considered heart failure,” Miriam Jacob, a cardiologist explains. Cleveland Clinic.

The signs of heart failure can be vague because it is often associated with several other conditions. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), signs of heart failure when standing alone are probably nothing to worry about. However, if you have more than one of these symptoms, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a heart problem, see a cardiologist immediately.

The AHA report indicates that shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling or fluid retention, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, confusion, and increased heart rate are some of the other common symptoms of heart failure.

Based on Very good healthSymptoms of cardiac cough will vary depending on the specific cause. Symptoms may include: dry cough, coughing up phlegm or mucus that may be slightly pink with blood; wheezing or whistling sound that occurs when breathing, accompanied by coughing; shortness of breath when participating in activities or lying down; paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, waking in the middle of the night with a cough and shortness of breath; a bubbling feeling in the chest due to fluid buildup in the lungs; long-term dry cough is not relieved.

Trying to treat a heart attack at home with over-the-counter cough suppressants can be dangerous for people with heart failure. “Ingredients in some medications such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and triprolidine-pseudoephedrine (Actived) can increase blood pressure and water retention. These side effects can worsen heart failure,” cardiologist Dr Richard N. Fogoros told me. Very good health. Instead, the patient needs to see a doctor to detect and treat his illness in a timely manner.

Chau Vu (Based on Best Life, Very Good Health)

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