How to Differientiate CHF and allergies, cold etc.

[Toogoofy317]

I don't know if I should be calling my cardiologist or trust my new PCP. I've been having more issues than I would like to say with my Crohn's disease and all. Let's say I know the value of water and staying hydrated.

Anyhow, I've had what I thought was a pretty nasty cold for about a week now. I was so congested that when I did the neti pot the water didn't come out of the other side. It just stayed there! So I decided it was worth a trip to the Doctor. He told me that it wasn't a cold that it was allergies and gave me Zyrtec.

Here is my situation. My chest is very congested I sound like a freight train at times when breathing. Its kinda hard to breathe especially when trying to lay flat. I've been in CHF before and it feels kinda similar. I also don't get the typical swelling that accompanies CHF.

Should I worry or should I lay it on allergies? My new job starts Monday and I don't wanna be a wreck to start with!

Mary S.

[shirleymahoney]

Re: How to Differientiate CHF and allergies, cold etc.

Mary

Do you have a cough and if you do is there any color to it, I swell alot in the stomach area, Slightly in the leg and ankles, I will get a nasty cough and cough up a pinkish phlem, I would call your doctor being everyone is different, but an ongoing cold needs attention also. I hope you feel better soon and GOOD LUCK with your new job

Shirley

[Linda]

Re: How to Differientiate CHF and allergies, cold etc.

Mary, Call your doctor tomorrow - it's Friday and will only be more difficult to reach someone on Sat. Why not call both docs and that way, you will surely talk to one tomorrow. You don't have to have swelling to be in failure. We've got to get you ready for Monday! Linda

[Pam Alexson]

Re: How to Differientiate CHF and allergies, cold etc.

Mary hi , I agree, Shirley and I have very similar fluid symptoms. I think at the times that I am congested my Bi-pap machine with distilled water is the only relief I can get. I think a vaporizor at night can also be helpfull to those that don't have the benefit of moist forced air to breath through a mask. I do also find a little bit of vicks vapor rub on my upper lip helps the congestion when I am having trouble getting air. Many times I feel I am getting a cold only to find that I don't have those same sx's during the day . That along with fever or not and such help me figure it is probably a little more fluid then I need trapped in my circulatory system causing respiratory distress and worsening the situation while lying down. Three years ago I bought a foam wedge from a medical supply store. I have not needed it since recovery from surgery . It was always helpfull, more so then the 4 pillows I tried to keep in one place . I keep repeating myself on different posts but knowing ones weight daily is probably the single most valuable piece of information we can obtain in figuring fluid problems. About 1/2 liter(500cc's ) equals 1 pound . For a 2-3 pound weight gain for 2 days for a CHFer their needs to be a plan . It can be simply that not enough clear liquids have been taken in to dillute and expell the high salt concentrates. If the kidneys sense dehydration then they begin to reabsorb salty waters from the large intestine, squeezing it out of the bowel thereby making the holding of fluid in the circulatory system worse. Also leading to constipation. If it is not that then simply you need to get that fluid moving so you can breath better,ie diuretics. As far as allergies I wish I knew. I don't have those or any knowledge of what to do if I did . I hope this has helped a bit. When in doubt , call the doctor. Feel better soon Mary. Pam

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: How to Differientiate CHF and allergies, cold etc.

CALL the Dr, I am sure you have the number handy
Get some REST and DRINK DRINK DRINK my dear!

Big hugs,
Lisa