Cough: A Manifestation of Many Medical Conditions

Coughing is a conditioned reflex that occurs suddenly and repeatedly, aiming to expel secretions and irritants from the respiratory tract. Coughing can be a symptom of many medical conditions, including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Cough in Cardiovascular Diseases:

Cardiovascular diseases cause dry cough, often occurring at night, increasing when lying down and decreasing when sitting up. The cough is chronic and progresses gradually. Some cardiovascular diseases that cause coughing include:

• Heart failure

• Mitral valve stenosis

Cough in Pulmonary Diseases:

Coughing in pulmonary diseases often produces phlegm, and the color of the phlegm varies depending on the infection (yellow-green phlegm when there is superinfection).

Hemoptysis:

Hemoptysis is the condition of coughing up blood or phlegm mixed with blood. Hemoptysis can be a sign of many medical conditions, including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Hemoptysis in Cardiovascular Diseases:

• Pulmonary vascular congestion: Due to the leakage of red blood cells into the alveoli, causing hemoptysis.

• Rupture of a collateral vessel between the bronchial and pulmonary arteries: Leading to hemoptysis.

Hemoptysis in Pulmonary Diseases:

• Tuberculosis: Due to ulceration of the bronchial mucosa, causing hemoptysis.

• Pulmonary embolism: Pulmonary tissue necrosis leads to hemoptysis.

• Malignant tumor invading blood vessels: Causes hemoptysis due to blood vessel damage.

Note: Hemoptysis is a serious symptom. If you experience hemoptysis, see a doctor immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment.