What could be the cause of persistent cough with asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

For a few months, my brother has been suffering from a cough with asthma. When we consulted our doctor, he asked us to get a few tests like echo and CT scan. From the test reports, he was detected with some heart problems. The doctors said that it was a thrombus. I have attached the report here. Please give us your feedback.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is a rhabdomyoma of the heart. Rhabdomyoma is a benign tumor, and in your brother's case, it is present in the heart. As it is in the left atrium of the heart, it is causing the size of the cavity of the heart to increase.

The cough and breathing problems you are facing are because of this rhabdomyoma. Normally, the blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle and the left atrium receives blood from the lungs. As most of the space in the left atrium is occupied by rhabdomyoma, blood cannot fill up the space and backflows to the lungs causing breathlessness. It is termed as cardiac asthma. As of now, treatment of rhabdomyoma is basically surgical excision of this tumor.

Till surgery, I would like to suggest to your brother a few medicines like diuretics, beta-blockers, and some blood thinners to prevent clot formation. Consult his specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicine with consent. Do not worry. Once the medicines start, he will be feeling much better.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.