Coughing and Heart Palpitations When Lying Down

Q: Coughing and Heart Palpitations When Lying Down

Hello： It is recommended to see a pulmonologist and to avoid cold foods! Best wishes!

When lying down to sleep, after about 2 to 4 minutes, I feel the urge to cough when I inhale and can sense my heartbeat?

Hello Dr.
Yang! I am a 25-year-old male.
This year, I have frequently been drinking tea, which has caused me to experience palpitations at night.
After I stopped drinking tea, the palpitations significantly improved.
Occasionally, when I consume tea-based beverages, I notice that the concentration of the tea can trigger palpitations.
Over the past month, I have also started experiencing a dry cough sensation when lying down to sleep, feeling the urge to cough during inhalation.
When I lie on my right side, this sensation subsides (though it still occurs on the left side).
After doing push-ups yesterday, I noticeably felt dizzy, and I also had a slight urge to cough while breathing.
I'm unsure which specialist I should consult, whether it's a cardiologist or a pulmonologist.

Ye Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/02

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology

Hello: It is recommended to see a pulmonologist and to avoid cold foods! Best wishes!

Reply Date: 2015/09/02

More Info

Understanding the symptoms of coughing and heart palpitations, especially when lying down, can be quite concerning. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced heart palpitations and a persistent cough when lying down, particularly after consuming tea. Let's break down these symptoms and explore potential causes and recommendations.

Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are sensations that feel like your heart is pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly. They can occur for various reasons, including anxiety, caffeine consumption, dehydration, or even certain medical conditions. In your case, you mentioned that your palpitations improved after reducing your tea intake, which suggests that caffeine may have been a contributing factor. Caffeine is a known stimulant that can increase heart rate and lead to palpitations, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Coughing When Lying Down
The cough you experience when lying down could be related to several factors:
1. Postnasal Drip: When lying flat, mucus can accumulate in the throat, leading to irritation and a cough reflex. This is often exacerbated by allergies or sinus issues.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Lying down can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and coughing. This is common in individuals who experience heartburn or acid reflux.

3. Asthma or Other Respiratory Conditions: If you have underlying asthma or other respiratory issues, lying down may trigger symptoms, including coughing and difficulty breathing.

4. Heart-Related Issues: In some cases, heart conditions can lead to pulmonary congestion, especially when lying down, which may cause coughing and difficulty breathing.

Recommendations
Given your symptoms, here are some steps you can take:
1. Monitor Caffeine Intake: Since you noticed an improvement after reducing tea consumption, consider limiting caffeine further. Pay attention to how your body reacts to different types of beverages.

2. Sleep Position: If you find that lying on your right side alleviates your cough, it may be worth adopting that position during sleep. Elevating your head with extra pillows can also help reduce coughing by preventing postnasal drip or acid reflux.

3. Hydration: Ensure you are well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate both palpitations and cough. Drinking plenty of water can help thin mucus and reduce irritation in the throat.

4. Consult a Specialist: Given the combination of symptoms, it would be wise to consult both a cardiologist and a pulmonologist. A cardiologist can evaluate your heart health and determine if the palpitations are related to any underlying heart condition. A pulmonologist can assess your respiratory symptoms and investigate potential causes for your cough.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporate regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques into your routine. These lifestyle changes can improve overall cardiovascular health and potentially reduce symptoms.

6. Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any associated activities (like exercise or eating), can provide valuable information to your healthcare providers.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may seem alarming, they can often be managed with lifestyle changes and appropriate medical evaluation. It's essential to address both the heart palpitations and the cough, as they may be interconnected or indicative of separate issues. By consulting with healthcare professionals and making informed lifestyle choices, you can work towards alleviating your symptoms and improving your overall health.

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