Cardiac asthma isn’t a type of asthma, it refers to breathing difficulty caused due to fluid build-up in the lungs because of heart failure. It is a potentially fatal disorder and proper diagnosis, and treatment is critical. But it can be misdiagnosed as asthma due to the similarities between the symptoms, where people suffering from either condition can experience coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.
What Is Cardiac Asthma?
Cardiac asthma is a group of asthma-like respiratory symptoms caused by congestive heart failure. It was first coined in medical literature by Dr James Hope in 1833. People suffering from this condition generally exhibit symptoms like coughing, trouble breathing, and shortness of breath due to pulmonary congestion. Where the fluid is accumulated in the lungs that hinder the ability to purify the blood.
In people with congestive heart failure, the heart cannot efficiently pump blood out of the left ventricle. This interruption in blood flow leads to increase blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs, which causes leakage and fluid build-up.
Also Read: Heart Failure: Symptoms, Causes, Types And Treatment
Symptoms
Wheezing
Breathing difficulty
Rapid heartbeat
Coughing
Bloody and foamy sputum
Shortness of breath when lying down
Nocturnal dyspnoea
Symptoms of cardiac asthma may be initial symptoms of heart failure such as:
Chest pain
Fainting
Fatigue
Irregular heart rate
Skin that appears blue
Swelling in the lower extremities
Weight gain
Frequent urination, often at night
Causes
Cardiac asthma is caused by heart failure, while the common cause of heart failure in adults is coronary artery disease. It is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed leading to improper blood flow and heart attack. Other conditions that contribute to the development of heart failure include:
Past heart attacks
Abnormal heart rhythm
Uncontrolled hypertension
Heart valve disorders
Myocarditis
Heart defects present from birth
Lung disease
Obesity
Kidney failure
Severe anaemia
Sleep apnea
Also Read: Heart Valve Disease: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Diagnosis
Cardiac asthma may be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are quite similar to asthma, thus misdiagnosis is common. To distinguish between the two, the healthcare provider will collect the patient's medical history and risk factors to evaluate whether heart failure is the root cause.
Some of the tests recommended by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis include:
Physical exam: The doctor will thoroughly assess the patient for any signs of cardiac asthma and heart failure, like abnormal sounds in the lungs while breathing and abnormal heart rate.
Blood tests: The doctor may suggest blood works to diagnose conditions that lead to heart failure, check for markers of fluid retention, and rule out any other possible causes for symptoms.
Electrocardiogram: An ECG evaluates the electrical activity of the heart and identifies any abnormalities in the heart rhythm
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is an imaging test that uses sound waves to produce a picture of the heart. This show how efficiently the heart is pumping blood.
Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can help identify an enlarged heart or fluid in your lungs.
Breathing tests: A spirometry test or a peak flow test is done to monitor lung function and any lung problems.
Furthermore, the doctor may also suggest a CT or MRI scan assess the health of the heart.
Treatment
The main mode of the treatment plan is to correct the underlying heart failure and fluid build-ups in the lungs.
The doctor may prescribe medications to treat an emergency case of cardiac asthma. Once the symptoms stabilize, then the patient is put on ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers or both to avert another episode. ACE inhibitors help widen blood vessels, while beta-blockers slow heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Oxygen And Ventilation
If the patient is not getting enough oxygen, then they may be given oxygen or put on a non-invasive ventilator.
Surgery
Some patients may need surgery such as an angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery to improve blood flow to the heart and augment heart health.
Lifestyle Modification
Leading a disciplined lifestyle may help improve heart failure symptoms or prevent heart failure, some of the lifestyle changes one should adopt include:
Engaging in regular exercise
Restricting alcohol intake
Managing stress
Getting sound sleep
Maintaining healthy weight
