Coughing and wheezing are common symptoms found in people living with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). They occur as a result of congestion in the lungs caused by the accumulation of fluid. When coughing and wheezing won’t stop, they can significantly impact your sleep, physical activity and time with family and friends. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to breathe easier.
Why does ATTR-CM cause coughing?
As amyloid deposits build up in the heart, the left ventricle of the heart muscle thickens and stiffens, affecting how blood is pumped around the body. When the heart doesn’t pump as it should, pressure builds up in the bloodstream. This causes fluid to leak from the blood vessels and into the lungs. As fluid accumulates the lungs become congested, called pulmonary edema. Over time, this fluid buildup leads to shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, sometimes with white or blood-tinged mucus. Coughing is more frequent when lying down, when gravity isn’t pulling fluids to the bottom of the lungs.
Coughing isn’t just annoying: it can impact your quality of life. Along with many of ATTR-CM’s other symptoms, feeling like you can’t get enough air can severely limit your physical activity. From coughing through a dinner party to breaking the silence at a movie theater, constant coughing can also impact your social life and self-esteem. This can lead to self-isolation and affect your mental health.
Read more about ATTR-CM signs and symptoms
Tips for managing coughing and wheezing
Reducing the accumulation of fluid in the lungs is key to alleviating cardiac coughing. A healthy diet that’s low in sodium and regular low-impact physical activity to boost circulation will both limit fluid buildup.
While symptoms cannot be completely resolved, there are also some practical ways you can manage coughing and wheezing to minimize the impact on your daily life:
Sleep at an angle, elevate your head: When lying down, elevate your head with pillows to allow the fluid to drain away from your lungs.
Ask your doctor about diuretics: Diuretics (“water pills”) are often recommended for ATTR-CM to reduce pulmonary edema, but check with your care team before taking them.
Take your medication as prescribed: Consistently taking your medication will help relieve the pressure on your heart.
Don’t overexert yourself: Avoid putting too much stress on your heart, as this will worsen your lung congestion.
Alert your doctor if symptoms worsen: If you feel that your coughing and wheezing is becoming worse, tell your doctor as soon as you can. It may be a sign of disease progression.
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