The 'cardiac cough' could be a symptom of heart failure, so here's how to tell if your wheezy cough is something to be concerned about.
According to the NHS, congestive heart failure, known nowadays as heart failure, is when the heart no longer pump blood around the body properly.
The health issue doesn't necessarily mean that your heart has stopped working - but it does mean that it may need professional support to get it working more effectively.
It's a long-term condition that usually gets worse over time, which is also more common in older people.
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One of heart failure's symptoms is a nasty 'cardiac cough', but what distinguishes it from a regular cough?
What is a 'cardiac cough'?
According to experts at Medical News Today, it can be defined as coughing that occurs as a result of heart issues, rather than lung conditions.
When heart failure occurs, the heart can't pump enough blood around the body, resulting in fluid retention, as it builds up in the air sacs in the lungs - which can make it sound 'wet'.
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Professionals call this lung congestion, or pulmonary edema. As your body tries to clear the lungs, you cough.
Factors such as diet and the seriousness of your heart failure can contribute to the development of the fluid and heart failure medication could be causing side effects too, as healthcare professionals usually prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) to treat the condition, despite it potentially causing a chronic cough.
The sound of wheezing and struggle to breath may become more evident at night while lying down to sleep, according to Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute.
What are some of the symptoms to look out for?
The American Heart Association list these symptoms to look out for, as well as coughing:
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid build up in the body
- Swelling in the legs
- Persistent fatigue that hinders daily activities
- Intolerance to exercise
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion
How do you treat a 'cardiac cough'?
You can be prescribed diuretics by a doctor, which reduces fluid retention in your body, and alleviates coughing.
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Medication can also be prescribed that improves heart function, reducing heart rate and improving blood pressure to help the heart beat more regularly and efficiently.
Lifestyle changes can also play a role in treating the condition, as doctors can ask patients to limit and track their daily liquid intake, as well as the following:
- Reducing salt intake
- Limiting caffeine
- Giving up smoking
- Cutting down on alcohol consumption
- Regular exercise
When to contact a doctor
If you have any symptoms of heart failure, you should call your GP - people with the condition need a treatment plan to decrease symptoms and slow down its development.
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You should contact a healthcare professional if you:
- Notice swelling in the ankles, feet or legs
- Cough up blood or pink mucus
- Gain more than 1.36 kg (3 lbs) in 24 hours - a sign of fluid retention
- Have an increased shortness of breath or intolerance to exercise.
You may need to seek emergency treatment if symptoms are worse though, as a hear-related cough can have similar symptoms to some lung diseases.
Look for emergency treatment if you experience:
- Blush skin
- Confusion
- Chest Pain
- Extreme shortness of breath
Joshua Nair