Cardiac asthma: What causes it?

The term "cardiac asthma" refers to wheezing associated with congestive heart failure. It isn't true asthma.

As a result of congestive heart failure, fluid can build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This causes signs and symptoms — such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing — that may mimic asthma. True asthma is a chronic condition caused by inflammation of the airways, which can lead to breathing difficulties.

The distinction is important because treatments for asthma and heart failure are very different.