Symptom 4. Persistent Coughing or Wheezing: Another Breath-related Warning Sign
In ADHF, a symptom that is easy to overlook or misinterpret is persistent coughing or wheezing. As a seemingly common symptom, it can be mistaken for a sign of a simple cold or respiratory infection. However, when combined with other symptoms on this list, it can be a key indicator of ADHF.
The cough in ADHF is not your ordinary cough; it’s a direct result of fluid buildup in the lungs, or pulmonary edema. In a healthy state, our lungs contain enough space for air, but with pulmonary edema, excess fluid starts to fill these spaces. This fluid invasion irritates the airways, leading to persistent coughing as the body instinctively tries to clear the airways.
Now, this isn’t just a dry cough. Patients might notice that the cough associated with ADHF often produces frothy mucus that is white or pink. Why pink? The pink color is due to the blood seeping into the mucus, originating from the congested blood vessels in the lungs. This symptom can be particularly pronounced when the patient is lying down due to the fluid redistribution in the body.
The persistent coughing or wheezing is, therefore, more than just a minor inconvenience. It’s the body’s vocal outcry about the fluid overload and the disruption of normal functioning. This is a significant symptom of ADHF, signaling the need for immediate medical consultation. (4)
