Cardiac asthma is a serious medical condition that is developing with the passing years. Asthma affected an estimated 262 million people in 2019 and caused 455,000 deaths worldwide. A chronic lung condition that affects people of all ages is asthma. Breathing becomes more difficult due to inflammation and tightness in the muscles surrounding the airways. Worldwide, more than 300 million people have asthma, and an additional 100 million people are thought to be at risk. Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath are some symptoms. Over time, these symptoms may become more or less severe. Although, with the appropriate care, asthma may be controlled even though it can be a serious illness.
What is Cardiac Asthma?
Cardiac asthma is a collection of asthma-like respiratory symptoms caused by congestive heart failure. Due to pulmonary congestion, people with cardiac asthma frequently have symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath. This is an accumulation of fluid in your lungs that makes it harder for you to give your blood oxygen. The left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle are the four chambers of your heart. The left ventricle’s pressure is either elevated or the heart is unable to adequately pump blood out of it in patients with congestive heart failure. This disturbance in blood flow raises blood pressure in the pulmonary blood arteries, which results in fluid leaks and buildup.
The similarity of symptoms often causes doctors to misdiagnose cardiac asthma. However, since bronchial asthma and cardiac asthma are completely different, they require different treatments. Treating a person with cardiac asthma for bronchial asthma could worsen their condition.
Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump the blood out of the left ventricle (one of the four heart chambers) properly. When this happens, excess fluid appears in the lungs and makes breathing problematic. This results in common asthma symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing. However, the cause of typical bronchial asthma is airway constriction resulting from inflammation.
What are the symptoms of cardiac asthma?
There are various symptoms of cardiac asthma that are visible in several patients. Although different patients have different symptoms of cardiac asthma.
Some of the common ones are mentioned below:
- Wheezing
- Trouble Breathing
- Rapid Breathing
- Coughing
- Grunting
- Bloody Sputum
- Frothy Sputum
- Orthopnea Rales
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea
Symptoms of cardiac asthma may be the initial symptoms of heart failure, or they may be present along with other signs of heart failure, such as:
- Chest Pain
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Irregular Heart Rate
- Skin That Appears Blue
- Swelling In The Legs, Feet, Or Ankles
- Weight Gain From Fluid Retention
Risk Factors
Cardiac asthma affects people with congestive heart failure, a heart condition that gets worse when blood flow through your veins increases. Furthermore, as heart failure gets worse, it takes very little exertion to bring on difficult breathing.
Some of the major risk factors include:
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Diseased heart valves.
- Angina (chest pain).
- Heart attack.
Benefits of Medical Tourism for Cardiac Asthma Patients
Cardiac asthma treatment is done in different countries with much ease and comfort with respect to the patients with the help of medical tourism.
Some of the benefits are mentioned below:
-
Access to Specialized Care:
Numerous locations for medical tourism are well-known for their advanced medical facilities and skilled medical personnel. Patients get access to state-of-the-art therapies and treatments that might not be easily found in their native countries.
-
Cost-Effective Treatment:
One of the primary attractions of medical tourism is the cost savings. Procedures and treatments for cardiac asthma in certain destinations can be significantly more affordable than in developed countries with high healthcare costs. This can make life-saving interventions more accessible to a broader range of patients.
-
Reduced Waiting Times:
Extended waiting times for specialized treatments may arise in certain countries due to the high demand for cardiac care. Moreover, patients who travel for medical purposes can avoid these delays, which can lead to prompt care and possibly stop the progression of symptoms associated with cardiac asthma.
-
Quality Healthcare Facilities:
Modern medical facilities and infrastructure are investments made by several medical tourism destinations. High-quality care is ensured for patients in contemporary, well-equipped hospitals and clinics that meet worldwide standards.
-
Access to Leading Medical Professionals:
Medical tourism destinations often attract highly qualified and experienced medical professionals. Patients can receive care from specialists who may have extensive expertise in treating cardiac conditions, providing a level of proficiency that contributes to better outcomes.
-
Comprehensive Treatment Packages:
Medical tourism providers often offer comprehensive treatment packages that include not only medical procedures but also accommodation, transportation, and follow-up care. This streamlines the entire process for patients, offering a more seamless healthcare experience.
-
Privacy and Personalized Care:
In some medical tourism destinations, healthcare facilities prioritize personalized care and patient privacy. This can result in a more intimate and individualized healthcare experience compared to larger, more crowded healthcare systems.
-
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities:
Beyond the medical benefits, medical tourism allows patients to explore new cultures and destinations. This can contribute positively to the overall healing process, providing a change of scenery and potentially reducing stress and anxiety.
Learn more about Benefits Of Travelling to India For Medical Treatment
Know About The Cardiac Asthma Treatment Options
Classic asthma medications like bronchodilators are thought to have limited effectiveness for treating cardiac asthma. Treatment for cardiac asthma involves addressing the underlying heart failure and fluid buildup in the lungs.
Medications:
- Diuretics (Water Pills): Diuretics help the body eliminate excess fluid, reducing the workload on the heart. Common diuretics include furosemide and bumetanide.
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): These medications relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and decrease the strain on the heart. Examples include enalapril and losartan.
- Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure, reducing the heart’s workload. Carvedilol and metoprolol are common beta-blockers used in treating cardiac asthma.
- Vasodilators: Medications like hydralazine and nitroglycerin can help relax blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing strain on the heart.
Oxygen Therapy:
It is common practice to prescribe more oxygen to relieve respiratory discomfort. Patients can make sure they get enough oxygen by using oxygen concentrators or tanks, especially when their dyspnea is worse.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Dietary Changes: A heart-healthy diet low in salt and saturated fats can help manage fluid retention and blood pressure. Patients may be advised to limit their sodium intake to prevent fluid buildup.
- Fluid Restriction: Restricting fluid intake can be essential in managing cardiac asthma as excessive fluid can exacerbate symptoms. Healthcare providers may provide specific guidelines based on individual needs.
Cardiac Rehabilitation:
Exercise and physical activity, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, can be part of a cardiac rehabilitation program. This helps improve cardiovascular health, stamina, and overall well-being.
What Are The Prevention Tips?
Preventing cardiac asthma involves adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and managing underlying cardiovascular conditions. Here are essential prevention tips for cardiac asthma:
-
Maintain a Healthy Diet:
Embrace a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Also, limit saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium to prevent the development or worsening of heart disease.
-
Regular Exercise:
Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular fitness, and strengthen the heart. Moreover, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
-
Manage Blood Pressure:
Monitor blood pressure regularly and take necessary steps to keep it within a healthy range. Also, adopt a low-sodium diet, exercise regularly, and take prescribed medications as directed.
-
Control Cholesterol Levels:
Keep cholesterol levels in check through a healthy diet, exercise, and medications if prescribed by a healthcare professional.
-
Quit Smoking:
Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking can lead to immediate and long-term cardiovascular benefits.
-
Limit Alcohol Intake:
If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Limiting alcohol intake can help manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart-related issues.
-
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the heart and lower the risk of developing heart-related conditions.
Key Takeaway
One indicator of congestive heart failure is cardiac asthma. Congestive heart failure has no known cure, yet there are therapies. Participating in patient support groups and obtaining assistance from loved ones and friends could potentially improve one’s quality of life. Although cardiac asthma is sometimes misinterpreted as asthma, getting a correct diagnosis is essential to managing your condition and improving your prognosis.
For the best management of cardiac asthma, patients should collaborate closely with their healthcare team to create a customized treatment plan and adhere to the guidelines. Medical tourism can provide access to cutting-edge treatment alternatives, improving outcomes and quality of life for those with cardiac asthma with careful preparation and research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for cardiac asthma?
The treatments for cardiac asthma depend on the cause (such as heart failure or leaky valve) but may include heart medicines to control blood pressure and remove excess fluid, proper diet, and modified daily activities. If the cause is a leaky valve or congenital heart defect, over time, surgery may be needed.
What is the life expectancy of cardiac asthma?
The life expectancy of somebody with cardiac asthma depends on how far their heart failure has progressed, the underlying cause, and their overall health. Mortality rates at 1 year and 5 years after heart failure diagnosis are about 22 and 43 percent, respectively.
Which treatment is best for asthma in India?
Oral and intravenous corticosteroids: These include synthetic steroid hormones, prednisone and methylprednisolone. These medications alleviate inflammation of the airways induced by severe asthma.
Book Your Health Appointment With Our Experts – Click To Book Appointment