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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Fluid around lung
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Fluid around lung
by Lenaa, May 31, 2004 12:00AM
My mother aged 72 had a leg bypass 7 months ago,after which was put on warfarin. her leg has been very large and full of fluid since. water tablets didn't help at all, she recently became a little breathless with a bit of a cough. Then developed a bad cough and chest infection which was treated with antibiotics, the breathlessness got worse with a pain in her side. then she coughed up blood which was investigated with an xray and was told she had fluid on the lung.She is now waiting to have a biopsy, to find the cause of the fluid, she has had about 3 litre drained off because she was in distress. warfarin had to be stopped for this so having to wait for levels to drop. She is very unwell and not eating but her stomach is still big think she may have fluid there too. when the fluid is drained it is the colour of red wine. Could this fluid be connected to the build up in her leg. Have you any idea what the cause may be. THANKS
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jun 10, 2004 12:00AM
, Jun 10, 2004 12:00AM
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in an artery of the lungs. This could be the cause of your mother’s symptoms. The most common place for the clot to travel from is a vein in the legs. Most of the time this is due to some type of trauma to the legs, like her leg bypass surgery. However the clot could also come from a vein in the pelvis, the arm, the shoulder, or even the heart. Blood clotting problems can also cause blood clots to form in the lungs. Some people do not have any symptoms. Other people will breathe faster, feel chest discomfort, and shortness of breath that has started suddenly. A radiology test called a ventilation perfusion scan is most commonly used to identify the problem. Sometimes pulmonary arteriography is used. A helical or spiral CT and a blood test called D-dimer are also helpful test to find blood clots. Oxygen is given when the level in the blood is low. Generally blood clots are treated with medicine, but in some cases surgery may be used. A vascular surgeon or a vascular radiologist would be the type of specialist to determine if your mother has a PE and the best treatment for her.
