What Is Cardiac Asthma?

Cardiac asthma is caused by the backup of fluid in the left side of the heart. This may happen if your heart pumps weakly or you have a leaky valve. Or it may happen if you were born with a heart problem. Cardiac asthma is a sign of congestive heart failure.

Cardiac asthma is not the same as bronchial asthma. But it causes similar symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Bronchial asthma is triggered by allergies, pollutants, exercise, stress, or lung disease. The small airways in the lungs become irritated and inflamed.

Treatments for bronchial asthma and cardiac asthma are very different. Bronchial asthma is treated with oral or inhaled medicines that open the airways. Treatments for cardiac asthma depend on the cause. They may include heart medicines to control blood pressure and remove excess fluid. Treatment also may include proper diet and modified daily activities. If the cause is a leaky valve or congenital heart defect, surgery may be needed.