Fortunately, not everyone knows that there is a so-called "heart cough". But those who have faced this problem understand that it is not easy to deal with. Such respiratory cramps have completely different causes than colds or infections. Therefore, the treatment of heart cough by conventional methods does not give the desired result. So what do you do?
Why is the cough of the heart?
It would seem that the heart and throat are not connected in any way. But the human body is such a complex system that the incorrect or unstable work of some organs somehow affects others. The term "heart cough" is not used in official medicine. But the phenomenon itself exists and usually accompanies such pathologies as:
- chronic heart failure;
- congenital or acquired heart disease;
- ischemic disease (especially in the acute stage);
- non-closure of the heart valve;
- cardiomyopathy and myocarditis;
- cardiosclerosis;
- postinfarction conditions.
All these diseases are accompanied by impaired blood circulation, as a result of which the lungs feel a lack of oxygen. This, in turn, causes a feeling of lack of air and bronchospasm. Hence the cough, which is usually sudden and dry.
With minor pathologies, it can manifest itself as a periodic coughing, in serious diseases it is often paroxysmal in nature.
How to recognize
Recognizing a heart cough is difficult. In order to accurately verify the diagnosis, a thorough and comprehensive examination is necessary. Most likely, you will have to do an ECG, an ultrasound of the heart muscle, several blood tests, and other tests. Only on the basis of their results, we can talk about the presence or absence of heart pathologies.
But it is worthwhile to suspect something was wrong and seek advice from a cardiologist if such accompanying symptoms occur:
The cough is always dry and hard. In rare cases, there is a small amount of thick sputum, transparent or white, streaked with blood.- Before and / or during a coughing fit, the heart rate increases for no apparent reason.
- With respiratory spasm, pain is felt behind the sternum in the region of the heart.
- Lack of oxygen, even if a person does not feel it, manifests itself in cyanosis of the lips, numbness of the fingers, and dizziness.
- Fainting that comes on suddenly, accompanied by a sharp blanching of the skin.
- Laryngeal edema, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, choking sensation.
- Visible swelling of the veins in the neck, provoked by blood congestion in the heart.
The cough is always dry and hard. In rare cases, there is a small amount of thick sputum, transparent or white, streaked with blood.The simultaneous presence of two or more of the above symptoms is already quite a sufficient reason not to postpone a visit to the doctor.
Treatment methods
How to treat a heart cough can only be decided after the correct diagnosis has been established. After all, it is on him that the mechanism of the appearance of cough depends in each case. We can only say that any antitussive drugs will be ineffective here, and many of them are generally contraindicated for the heart.
The doctor usually selects a comprehensive therapy aimed primarily at restoring the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Accordingly, medications are prescribed those that support and stimulate the heart.
To reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing attacks, depending on the disease, the patient may additionally be prescribed the following groups of drugs:
antihistamines - help to quickly remove puffiness;- antispasmodic - relieve vascular and muscle spasms;
- diuretics - reduce swelling and stress on the heart;
- anesthetic cough syrups - relieves sore throat and coughs.
antihistamines - help to quickly remove puffiness;Vitamin therapy that maintains vitality is also effective.
In acute oxygen deficiency, oxygen therapy is very useful. During severe attacks, it is advisable to have an oxygen bag on hand. Modern medicine can offer patients treatment in a pressure chamber, oxygen cocktails, ozone therapy, and others. Long walks in the fresh air help a lot - naturally, if they take place in nature or in park areas, and not on dusty city streets.
Folk remedies
Most popular recipes for a heart cough cannot be cured. But some of them are quite capable of temporarily relieving the patient's condition, removing an attack, restoring normal breathing and heartbeat. Here's what you can do at home:
Hypericum tea. Possesses strong anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, has a tonic effect. For medicinal purposes, a decoction is used, for the preparation of which 1 teaspoon of dry grass is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 15-20 minutes (preferably in a thermos). The strained tea is ready to drink, honey can be added to the warm drink. But it is recommended to drink it in a day no more than half a liter in several doses. The course of treatment is up to 14 days.- Mustard plaster. Placed on the heart area, it stimulates blood flow, dilates blood vessels and relieves muscle spasms. As a result, the heart cough goes away quickly. This method of treatment is effective for coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure. But there are a number of heart diagnoses in which this method is categorically contraindicated, therefore, it cannot be used without consulting a doctor!
- Inhalation with Zvezda balm. Perfectly soothes coughs, relieves bronchial spasms, makes breathing easier. You need to boil water, dissolve a small amount of balm in it and breathe over the steam without leaning too close. The cough will subside within 2-3 minutes. Instead of "Zvezdochka" with no less success, you can use a tablet of ordinary validol.
- Ear massage. A kind of acupressure in a highly simplified version. There are many biologically active points on the earlobes, including those responsible for the work of the cardiovascular system. Massaging your earlobes for just a few minutes can calm your heartbeat, activate blood circulation and relieve an attack of heart coughing.
Banana cocktail with honey. It has an excellent calming effect, promotes a surge of energy and even lifts the mood. To cook it, you need to heat the milk to a temperature of 70-80 degrees. Peel the banana, beat it in a blender until puree, add a teaspoon of honey and continue to beat, pouring in a little milk. Drink the mixture warm, in small sips. People who are prone to overweight should not get carried away with such a cocktail - it can badly affect the figure.- Anise milk. Anise not only copes with coughs, but also supports the work of the heart muscle. To prepare such milk, you need to pour a teaspoon of anise seeds with half a glass of water and boil for 5 minutes, and then insist for another 15-20. Heat the milk to 50-60 degrees, strain the aniseed water, add honey and add to the milk. You can drink a glass 3 times a day.
- Herbal tea with honey. Many medicinal plants are good for the heart and relieve coughs. The most effective of them are: chamomile, valerian, passionflower, lemon balm, mint, oregano, thyme, sage. You can also use ready-made heart teas, which are sold in pharmacies. They are optionally added with honey and a slice of lemon. In no case should you exceed the dosage recommended on the package.If you are preparing the collection yourself, do not mix more than 2-3 herbs at the same time and drink this tea up to 3 glasses a day.
Hypericum tea. Possesses strong anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, has a tonic effect. For medicinal purposes, a decoction is used, for the preparation of which 1 teaspoon of dry grass is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 15-20 minutes (preferably in a thermos). The strained tea is ready to drink, honey can be added to the warm drink. But it is recommended to drink it in a day no more than half a liter in several doses. The course of treatment is up to 14 days.
Banana cocktail with honey. It has an excellent calming effect, promotes a surge of energy and even lifts the mood. To cook it, you need to heat the milk to a temperature of 70-80 degrees. Peel the banana, beat it in a blender until puree, add a teaspoon of honey and continue to beat, pouring in a little milk. Drink the mixture warm, in small sips. People who are prone to overweight should not get carried away with such a cocktail - it can badly affect the figure.But remember that deciding how to treat a heart cough and what folk remedies to use for heart disease can only be under the supervision of a doctor. Many herbs have a very strong effect on the entire body and, if used incorrectly, can only worsen the situation.
Prophylaxis
Even if your cough turns out to be a companion of a serious cardiovascular disease, do not panic and despair. Today, medicine is so developed that most patients with such diagnoses live a full, active life for tens of years.
However, anyone should take care of their health. Simple preventive measures for heart coughs can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, and improve heart function at the same time. All you need to do is:
- give up bad habits: smoking, alcohol and drugs;
- minimize the consumption of tea, coffee (especially instant coffee);
- revise the diet and remove too spicy, fatty and fried foods from it;
- enrich the menu with fresh fruits, vegetables or take a multivitamin complex at least twice a year;
- set yourself up for a positive attitude towards life, avoid stress and scandals;
- be in the fresh air for at least 1-2 hours a day, and in very bad weather, during illness or before going to bed, be sure to ventilate the room well;
make sure that dust does not accumulate in the house or the place where you spend a lot of time - wet cleaning should be done at least 2-3 times a week;- practice moderate physical activity: walk, yoga, recreational swimming, or at least 15-20 minutes of morning exercises;
- do not take any medications without a doctor's prescription - some of them have cardiotoxic side effects.
make sure that dust does not accumulate in the house or the place where you spend a lot of time - wet cleaning should be done at least 2-3 times a week;As you can see, nothing supernatural. All of the above recommendations are reduced to a healthy lifestyle. But it is they who will help cure your heart and get rid of the annoying heart cough forever.
