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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Edema
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Edema
by TCN, Feb 19, 2006 12:00AM
Thanks for your time. I hope you can help. My situation is a bit confusing. I am f/mid.30s. I had an av node ablation one month ago and I am 100% dependant on a pacemaker. I had percarditis post ablation (about 1wk. later). I also developed significant edema (20lbs). I am normally 110lbs. I was sent to a renal physician who is trying to determine the cause along with my cardiologist. I was put on zaroxalyn, lasix, aldactone and potassium. I was on antiarrythmics but since the ablation I have been taken off them. I also take coumadin.
I'm not expecting a diagnosis, as it is even complicated for the doctors that know and see me, but I do have a question. I have not mentioned this to my docs. as I guess I haven't thought it important. At night, in particular last night I woke up every hour soaking wet in sweat. I thought I was overheated, so I put on lighter clothing, less blankets. I don't think I was overheated, as I was freezing and continued the heavy sweating. When I stepped on the scale I had lost 10lbs. overnight. This has happened every night for about a week, last night the worst.
Can you lose fluid weight like that through sweating? At this point I feel awful, completely depleted.
Should I tell my docs. about the night-time cold sweats? I am leaving for vacation tomorrow, so I want to make sure I am good to go. Thanks so much for your time.
I'm not expecting a diagnosis, as it is even complicated for the doctors that know and see me, but I do have a question. I have not mentioned this to my docs. as I guess I haven't thought it important. At night, in particular last night I woke up every hour soaking wet in sweat. I thought I was overheated, so I put on lighter clothing, less blankets. I don't think I was overheated, as I was freezing and continued the heavy sweating. When I stepped on the scale I had lost 10lbs. overnight. This has happened every night for about a week, last night the worst.
Can you lose fluid weight like that through sweating? At this point I feel awful, completely depleted.
Should I tell my docs. about the night-time cold sweats? I am leaving for vacation tomorrow, so I want to make sure I am good to go. Thanks so much for your time.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 20, 2006 12:00AM
, Feb 20, 2006 12:00AM
Yes, fluid weight can be lost via sweating.
The bigger question is what is causing the night sweats. This should certainly be mentioned to your physicians.
Chronic disease, infection (i.e. TB, HIV, endocarditis etc.), lymph node disease (cancer), rheumatological disease, medications, thyroid disorders are amongst the possible causes.
From UptoDate:
"A chest X-ray and PPD are appropriate for all such patients as an initial evaluation for possible tuberculosis, in addition to a complete blood count, TSH, and blood cultures. If these are normal, and drenching night sweats persist, clinicians should obtain a torso computed tomography (CT) scan to evaluate for lymphoma, solid tumor, or abscess. If no diagnosis is apparent and severe night sweats persist, additional evaluation may include HIV serology and a bone marrow biopsy."
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Reference:
Smetana. "Approach to the patient with night sweats". UptoDate, 2006.
The bigger question is what is causing the night sweats. This should certainly be mentioned to your physicians.
Chronic disease, infection (i.e. TB, HIV, endocarditis etc.), lymph node disease (cancer), rheumatological disease, medications, thyroid disorders are amongst the possible causes.
From UptoDate:
"A chest X-ray and PPD are appropriate for all such patients as an initial evaluation for possible tuberculosis, in addition to a complete blood count, TSH, and blood cultures. If these are normal, and drenching night sweats persist, clinicians should obtain a torso computed tomography (CT) scan to evaluate for lymphoma, solid tumor, or abscess. If no diagnosis is apparent and severe night sweats persist, additional evaluation may include HIV serology and a bone marrow biopsy."
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Reference:
Smetana. "Approach to the patient with night sweats". UptoDate, 2006.
Member Comments (1)
by ozark, Feb 20, 2006 12:00AM
i would definitely call your doctor before you go on vacation...the weight loss overnight, your not feeling well, the sweating for a week should be investigated...you lose salt when you sweat and you may need blood work done..i don't know what it could be but if something is wrong, i wouldn't want to wait until after vacation....good luck
