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Cardiac asthma: What causes it?

What is cardiac asthma?

- Pamela / Michigan

Mayo Clinic cardiologist Martha Grogan, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

The term "cardiac asthma" refers to wheezing associated with congestive heart failure. It isn't true asthma.

As a result of congestive heart failure, fluid can build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This causes signs and symptoms — such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing — that may mimic asthma. True asthma is a chronic condition caused by inflammation of the airways, which can lead to breathing difficulties.

The distinction is important because treatments for asthma and heart failure are very different.

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Aug 8, 2008