Persistent cough is not only due to cold, but can also be a sign of heart failure

Persistent coughs are not only caused by colds but also by many other causes, from asthma, gastroesophageal reflux or pneumonia. However, there is a little-known cause that can also cause persistent cough: heart failure.

Coughing is a very common symptom. Common causes are respiratory infections and allergies. If you have been taking medication for many days without getting better, you need to be examined carefully, especially if you have symptoms such as fatigue or difficulty breathing, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Persistent cough accompanied by fatigue and swollen legs may be due to heart failure.

PEXELS

In heart failure, the heart muscle is weak and cannot pump blood effectively throughout the body. Fluid then builds up in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, and swelling of the legs. If a cough accompanies these symptoms, it is likely that the person is suffering from heart failure.

Shortness of breath is one of the main signs of heart failure, especially when exerting yourself or resting. This is due to fluid buildup in the lungs, which prevents oxygen from being absorbed into the blood. The patient will also feel tired and weak when exercising, even if it is light exercise. Due to the weak heart muscle, the amount of blood pumped to the muscles and internal organs will decrease, resulting in exhaustion and fatigue.

In addition, in patients with heart failure, the body will retain water. This condition results in swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles. Cough due to heart failure also has the following characteristics:

Persistent

This is a cough that lasts for more than 8 weeks. The patient has taken medicine and applied all common treatments but the cough still does not go away.

Worse at night

Because the heart muscle is weak, heart failure negatively affects the body's fluid regulation. This condition not only causes shortness of breath but also makes coughing worse at night.

When seeing the above unusual signs, the patient should see a doctor as soon as possible. The prognosis and quality of life will improve significantly if heart failure is detected and treated early.

To reduce fluid retention, improve heart function, and control symptoms, the doctor will prescribe medication. The patient also needs to follow a low-salt diet and exercise regularly. , weight control and smoking cessation, according to Medical News Today .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ho-dai-dang-khong-chi-do-cam-lanh-ma-con-co-the-la-dau-hieu-suy-tim-185240718161719516.htm