How many times have you thought, “Oh! It’s just a cough,” and expected it to heal on its own? Coughing is a common reflex that clears your throat of mucus or foreign irritants. While everyone coughs to clear their throat from time to time, some conditions can cause more frequent coughing. But when does a cough become a cause for concern?
A chronic cough is one that lasts eight weeks or longer and can be more than just a nuisance. It can indicate underlying health issues, including the risk of heart failure.
Let us find out from eminent laparoscopic and general surgeons in Delhi and Gurgaon, Dr Amita Jain if a chronic cough could be a sign of heart failure.
What is a Chronic Cough?
A chronic cough lasts more than four weeks in children or eight weeks in adults and often signals an underlying condition, though sometimes no clear cause is found.
What are the Symptoms?
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Heartburn
- Sore throat or frequent throat-clearing
- Fever (above 101°F / 38.3°C)
What are the Causes?
- Asthma
- Postnasal drip
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
However, it is important to note that not all causes of chronic cough are related to the respiratory system. In some instances, a persistent cough can signal other health issues that require medical attention.
What do you understand by Heart Failure?
Heart failure, often termed congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs, often due to preexisting cardiac conditions. This reduced pumping ability can cause symptoms like fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and swelling (edema). The heart’s inefficiency can also lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, known as pulmonary congestion, which is a primary cause of chronic coughing and wheezing associated with the condition.
How is Cardiac Cough Connected with Heart Failure?
Did you know that coughing can also be a symptom of heart failure? In heart failure, the heart muscle struggles to function properly, either due to weakened contraction or stiffness, which can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs—a condition known as pulmonary edema. This excess fluid can leak into the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, causing congestion. As a result, your body may develop a persistent cough as it attempts to clear the bronchial passages of this blockage.
What are the Common symptoms of a cardiac cough?
- a persistent cough with pink, frothy sputum,
- shortness of breath that worsens with physical activity or when lying down
- Heavy wheezing: A productive cough that produces white or blood-tinged mucus may also indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs and can also cause laboured breathing.
- In some cases, you might experience a bubbling sensation in the chest
- A persistent dry cough
What are the Symptoms of Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure presents differently in men and women, making early recognition crucial. For men, symptoms include:
- Chest discomfort (pressure or tightness)
- Shortness of breath during normal activities
- Fatigue without a clear cause
- Irregular heartbeats
- Radiating pain to the back, arms, neck, jaw, or teeth
In women, signs include:
- Shortness of breath during activity or rest
- Swelling in the stomach, wrists, legs, or feet
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Pain in the jaw, neck, throat, back, or upper stomach.
Causes of Cardiac Cough
These include:
- Fluid Retention: In heart failure, inadequate blood pumping leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), causing coughing as the body tries to clear the congestion.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain heart failure medications, while improving heart function, may also induce coughing as a side effect.
Treatment for coughing due to congestive heart failure focuses on reducing fluid in the lungs and addressing heart function issues:
- Diuretics: Prescribed to decrease fluid retention in the lungs and body.
- Heart Function Medications: These include angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers to improve heart rate, blood pressure, and efficiency.
Home Remedies:
Some of the home remedies may help like:
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise enhances circulation and endurance.
- Sleep on an Incline: Use extra pillows to ease fluid drainage from the lungs.
- Limit Salt Intake: Reducing sodium helps manage fluid retention.
The key takeaway from this article is that one should never ignore a chronic cough, as it could be a sign of underlying conditions, including heart failure.
Persistent coughing, especially when accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath and fluid retention, warrants prompt medical evaluation to address potential heart issues effectively. Be alert.
Don’t hesitate to approach your doctor if you observe any symptoms of cardiac cough.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi