Symptom 11. Persistent Cough: A Possible Indicator of Amyloidosis in the Lungs
A persistent cough can be more than just a nagging annoyance; it can be a potential indicator of amyloidosis affecting the lungs. When amyloid proteins deposit in the lung tissues, they can disrupt the normal respiratory function, leading to respiratory symptoms such as a persistent cough.
Amyloidosis-related cough is often dry and unproductive, meaning it doesn’t produce mucus or phlegm. This chronic cough may be accompanied by other respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath or wheezing.
The presence of amyloid deposits in the lung tissues can cause inflammation and compromise the lung’s ability to function optimally. This can lead to irritation of the airways, triggering a persistent cough as a protective mechanism or as a result of the lung’s attempt to clear out the amyloid deposits.(11)
