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Does Lumbrokinase Interfere With D-dimer Levels?

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Posted on Fri, 13 May 2016
Question: Hello
I have been having pains in my chest that feel like they are originating in the lungs. This has been rather unnerving, and I have wound up at the ER twice over the last 4 weeks due to pains in the chest and a feeling of being short of breath and wheezing. They have been particularly concerned with checking my heart on these occasions, but have also run d-dimer tests which have been negative at 0.3. I have also taken a chest xray (not CT) which was clear. No signs of infection or heart strain. EEG fine. However these pains are continuing. I am particularly concerned about my shortness of breath. Today I ran to the train and nearly passed out with a cramp feeling in my lung. I needed about 15 minutes to recover my normal breathing.
Regarding the nature of the pains: To begin with they were reminiscent of a chest infection, a widespread achy feeling like having run hard in ice cold weather. This was accompanied by feelings of small bursting cramps in the lung/ chest area. I have also had periods of sudden shortness of breath and wheezing without any reason. The middle of my chest has felt heavy and tender, like I have swallowed something sharp and big that has scraped the inside. Along with these symptoms are a sense of pressure up toward my ears and head.
My concern is for pulmonary embolism despite a negative d-dimer. I don't believe that I have any known genetic risk factor, but I am not 100%. I have led a very sedentary lifestyle the last year and have had little or no daily exercise.
This aching and bursting/ cramping pain around my chest is unlike any pains I have felt previously, and I cannot shake the feeling that something is very wrong. However the doctors are hesitant to do a CT scan because they say the risk of radiation far outways the risk of my having an undetected PE.
Any input or alternative theories would be appreciated!
Additional info: I had the seasonal flu shot just before these pains began
I cannot provoke the pains by movement in any way, but the pressure increases somewhat if I bend down. I have had a recurring stabbing pain in one point of my chest during this time, only second in duration but in episodes. I have also felt some pain in this point when breathing deeply and coughing at times.
Additional concern:
Because of my worries about PE I have been taking an enzyme supplement called "Lumbrokinase" lately. Would the use of this type of product have the potential to interfer with the d-dimer levels i.e. cause a lower level that might conceal a clot?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
No, this drug can not interfere with d dimer result.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, this drug can not interfere with d dimer result.
In my opinion, by your history and description, possibility of bronchitis is more.
Bronchitis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing etc.
Your central chest stabbing type of pain is mostly due to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Uncontrolled GERD can actually worsen bronchitis.
So please let me know
1. Do you smoke?
2. Have you ever undergone PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)? PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis.
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 hours later)
Thank you for your reply. I am quite doubtful that this could be bronchitis since I have no plegm or cough. I have had bronchitis several times in the past, and on those occasions it has taken a very different form from these pains. I have taken a spirometer test, once now a few weeks ago and once in the past. On both occasions it showed results of lung capacity in the lower normal area bordering on slightly obstructed. I am not sure what the PFT involves or if it is similar to the spirometer test. I have been referred to do a exercise ECG shortly. The wheezing is not constant, but comes and goes. I do not smoke, but have smoked in the past (over 10 yrs ago). This pain feels more like bursting, aching cramps than a bronchitis type heaviness. Sorry for my inadequate description abilities.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Are you having stressful life?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
PFT includes spirometry. So both are almost same.
It is not necessary to have cough and expectoration in bronchitis. Wheezing and shortness of breath are commonest features of bronchitis.
So possibility of bronchitis is more.
And your bronchitis is worsening by GERD (central stabbing pain).
Both these conditions worsen by stress and tension.
So please let me know if you are having stressful life.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 14997 Questions

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Does Lumbrokinase Interfere With D-dimer Levels?

Brief Answer: No, this drug can not interfere with d dimer result. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. No, this drug can not interfere with d dimer result. In my opinion, by your history and description, possibility of bronchitis is more. Bronchitis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing etc. Your central chest stabbing type of pain is mostly due to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Uncontrolled GERD can actually worsen bronchitis. So please let me know 1. Do you smoke? 2. Have you ever undergone PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)? PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis. Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.