Are you wondering what might be causing a cough with thick congestion alongside PAH, and how to manage it?
Coughing isn't the most common PAH symptom, but it does happen. Thick, mucus-producing coughs are less typical with PAH on its own — they're more often linked to an infection or another condition occurring at the same Show Full Answer
Are you wondering what might be causing a cough with thick congestion alongside PAH, and how to manage it?
Coughing isn't the most common PAH symptom, but it does happen. Thick, mucus-producing coughs are less typical with PAH on its own — they're more often linked to an infection or another condition occurring at the same time.
A few possible causes worth discussing with your doctor include:
- Medications — Some PAH medications can cause coughing as a side effect. One myPHteam member shared, "Since starting a new PAH med, I developed a spastic barking cough."
- Fluid buildup in the lungs — Certain PAH medications like bosentan can rarely cause pulmonary edema, which may produce a cough, sometimes with mucus.
- Infection — A virus or respiratory infection alongside PAH can worsen congestion and coughing significantly. Some things that may help at home:
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day
- Try warm tea with honey and lemon to soothe the throat
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Avoid irritants like smoke, strong fumes, and pollen
It's important to let your pulmonologist know about this symptom, especially if it's new or getting worse. Seek urgent care if you cough up blood or pink-tinged mucus, feel chest tightness, or have sudden difficulty breathing.
September 7
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