Remedy for Cardiac Asthma

Cardiac asthma is not what doctors consider "true" asthma. It is primarily associated with congestive heart failure, and not the lungs or airways. In heart failure, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, and make it difficult to breathe. The symptoms of cardiac asthma often mimic the signs of asthma, and include: coughing, wheezing, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and shortness of breath. The treatment for asthma and cardiac asthma are completely different, so receiving the right diagnosis is an important first step in recovery.

Cardiac Asthma Remedy

• The root cause of cadiac asthma is congestive heart failure; medicines to treat heart disease will help alleviate the symptoms of cardiac asthma. Using treatments used for "true" asthma, such as inhalers, can actually worsen the symptoms of cardiac asthma and should not be used. Many patients suffering from cardiac asthma generally respond well to a combination therapy of brochodilators, supplemental oxygen, and medicines that treat heart failure. Doctors often prescribe diuretics. These "water pills" rid the lungs of excess fluid and help the patient breathe more efficiently. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to ease inflammation if the patient is not responding well to other treatments. Some patients may require surgery for leaky valves or other problems affecting heart function.

Preventing Cardiac Asthma

• Your overall health is very important in maintaing heart function. Keep on a balanced diet and exercise plan. Minimize sodium intake. Sodium can cause the body to retain fluid, so limit liquid intake to 2L a day, as well. Control your weight weight, stop smoking, and monitor your cholesterol. Smoking and high LDL cholesterol shrink the arteries to make it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. Excessive weight will also force the heart to work harder than it is capable of doing.

  Ask you physician for appropriate lifestyle choices and exercise and diet plans necessary for maintaining heart health.