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What Causes Severe Cough And Nausea In A Patient With Congestive Heart Failure?
Question: I husband has congestive heart failure just turned 80, he has symptoms of ....... edema (forgot the word), his temperature is 97.7 - bp 96/53 - tonight (with a pace maker) of 60 pulse. He has been coughing and spitting up for the last 3 weeks and has been nausea ( in the last 24 hours. He takes a number of medications.
Today, I suggested he sees his doctor, when he goes in the morning for his protime. I do not believe he realizes he is or could be in touch. His edema is also in his lower legs.
What do you suggest.
Today, I suggested he sees his doctor, when he goes in the morning for his protime. I do not believe he realizes he is or could be in touch. His edema is also in his lower legs.
What do you suggest.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern, and would like to explain, that facing the recent medical history, your husband is suffering form decompensated congestive heart failure.
His current symptomatology (coughing, spitting up, edema, etc.) speaks in favor of potential triggering factors that may have ruined the previously optimal achieved equilibrium (between treatment and heart failure condition).
In addition, a disease progression (HF) may be also responsible of such a clinical scenario.
Coming to this point, I would recommend to consult immediately his cardiologist, as a comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary.
A careful physical exam, coupled with a resting ECG, chest X ray study, cardiac ultrasound and several lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, etc.[to exclude an inflammation/infection as responsible for clinical deterioration], liver and renal function tests, blood electrolytes, total proteins, fasting glucose, CK-MB, troponin, etc.) are necessary to investigate possible triggering factors for HF decompensation, as well as to identify the severity of clinical conditions, leading consequently to an appropriate decision about therapeutic strategy.
Diuretics regimen should be adjusted (probably increased), and potentially other therapy drugs doses as well.
If you could upload all the above mentioned tests, and also the current treatment, I could give a more concrete opinion about possible therapy adjustment.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern, and would like to explain, that facing the recent medical history, your husband is suffering form decompensated congestive heart failure.
His current symptomatology (coughing, spitting up, edema, etc.) speaks in favor of potential triggering factors that may have ruined the previously optimal achieved equilibrium (between treatment and heart failure condition).
In addition, a disease progression (HF) may be also responsible of such a clinical scenario.
Coming to this point, I would recommend to consult immediately his cardiologist, as a comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary.
A careful physical exam, coupled with a resting ECG, chest X ray study, cardiac ultrasound and several lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, etc.[to exclude an inflammation/infection as responsible for clinical deterioration], liver and renal function tests, blood electrolytes, total proteins, fasting glucose, CK-MB, troponin, etc.) are necessary to investigate possible triggering factors for HF decompensation, as well as to identify the severity of clinical conditions, leading consequently to an appropriate decision about therapeutic strategy.
Diuretics regimen should be adjusted (probably increased), and potentially other therapy drugs doses as well.
If you could upload all the above mentioned tests, and also the current treatment, I could give a more concrete opinion about possible therapy adjustment.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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