Cough
I am 38 years old. I have had a cough for 7 months since COVID. I started having shortness of breath and went to the ER. They diagnosed me with pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and a lung nodule. They rushed me in and out. Since the hospital has called and wants the nodule checked for cancer. My shortness of breath is gone but I’m still coughing up yellow/brown phlegm a few times a day. Is this something that happens with CHF? I don’t see my regular doctor for 3 more weeks. I have three kids under 10. How can I have congestive heart failure so young and lung cancer? Any specifics on your cough would be so appreciated.
Here is an article that explains common heart failure symptoms (https://heart-failure.net/symptoms). My understanding is that cough can vary depending on which side of the heart is affected. Left sided heart failure is often accompanied by a dry cough, whereas right side failure can have a wet cough with a pink tinge. Your cough sounds different and is worth following up with a physician.
I’m sorry to hear you are going through all this at one time. Congestive heart failure can occur at any time throughout life. My first experience with CHF was the day I was born because I was born with congenital ( meaning since birth) heart disease. Coughing is one of many symptoms that can occur in CHF. Before my heart transplant in 2019, I was coughing quite frequently, retaining tons of fluid in my abdomen, and I was short of breath. I was on 3 liters of continuous oxygen on a daily basis. Coughing can mean a number of things, which you definitely need to ask your physician. However, mine persistent cough was from pulmonary hypertension. Thank you for sharing. Hope you feel better. Leslie (Community Moderator)
