How to Alleviate Cough Caused by Heart Failure

Heart failure can manifest through various clinical symptoms, and coughing is one of the commonly observed signs. This symptom can be distressing and may interfere with daily life. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to manage and alleviate coughing associated with heart failure.

1. Treat Underlying Infections

In some cases, a persistent cough may be linked to an underlying lung infection that hasn't been adequately controlled. When infections are present, healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotics to treat the root cause. Additionally, over-the-counter or prescription cough suppressants and expectorants can be used to relieve the cough and help clear mucus from the airways.

2. Address Pulmonary Congestion

Coughing may also result from pulmonary congestion or fluid buildup in the lungs, which is common in heart failure patients. In such cases, diuretics are often prescribed to reduce fluid retention and ease the burden on the heart. As the excess fluid is removed from the body, symptoms like coughing typically begin to improve.

Monitor Symptoms and Adjust Treatment

It's important for patients to monitor their symptoms closely and communicate any changes to their healthcare provider. Adjustments in medication or additional therapies may be needed depending on how the body responds to treatment.

3. Review Medication Side Effects

Some patients experience coughing as a side effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are commonly used in heart failure treatment. Medications like benazepril or captopril can cause this reaction in certain individuals. If a cough develops after starting an ACE inhibitor, a physician may consider switching the patient to an alternative class of medication, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which are less likely to cause this side effect.

Managing cough in heart failure requires a tailored approach that considers the underlying cause. Whether it's due to infection, fluid buildup, or medication side effects, working closely with a healthcare provider ensures that the most appropriate and effective treatment is selected for each individual case.