What is diff bet. Cardiac Asthma n Bronchial Asthma

20 yr old asthma patient and treated for s same, didnt hve asthmatic attack since last 20 yr.Nw recently went through Angiography n breathlessness tendency is been developed since then. I need to knw how to diffrentiate between these breathlessness-Cardiac or Bronchial.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Bronchial asthma is another name for the common form of asthma. ‘Cardiac’ asthma, on the other hand,  is not true asthma but breathing difficulties caused by heart failure. Although the two conditions have similar symptoms, including shortness of breath and wheezing, they have quite different causes.

In cardiac asthma, there is a reduced pumping efficiency of the heart which leads to a build up of fluid in the lungs. This fluid build up causes the airways to narrow and can cause wheezing.  The main symptoms and signs of cardiac asthma are: shortness of breath with or without wheezing; cough; rapid and shallow breathing; an increase in blood pressure and heart rate; and a feeling of apprehension.

The symptoms of bronchial asthma, on the other hand, include:  a feeling of tightness in the chest; difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; wheezing; and coughing usually at night. Cardiac asthma can be a life-threatening condition, and if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, a visit to your doctor is important. Although there is currently no cure for bronchial asthma, it can be controlled with medications and avoidance of trigger factors.

Take care and regards.