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How Can Severe Edema In Both Feet When Diagnosed With COPD Be Treated?

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Posted on Fri, 15 Nov 2019
Question: I have terrible edema in both of my lower legs. I cannot get in to see my doctor until Monday AM. The pain is horrible. It started in one lower foot - my left. It is now in both feet. At first there was alittle swelling Soon I had patecia or a red looking rash. That turned into a continuous area of solid red swelling. The skin is very hot and shiny looking since it is stretching to cover the area that is swollen and very hot to the touch. Since I just got out of the hospital and then rehab at a SNF, I am very concerned. I was dx'd with severe COPD in Sept., in fact I had to be intubated and on a vent. Since Sept. I have been in the hospital and SNF dc'd with home health 6 or 7 times. I have been given laxix and despite keeping my feet elevated above my heart, etc., I cannot get the swelling to even reduce a small amount. What can I do until Monday?
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Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of cellulitis is more likely.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

By your history and description, possibility of cellulitis (infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue) is more likely.
Redness, warm on touch, tenderness (pain on touching), not relieved by Lasix (diuretics) are more suggestive of cellulitis.
This requires higher antibiotics, painkiller and anti inflammatory drugs.
Glycerine and magnesium sulphate dressing is also required.
All these are prescribed drugs so you need to consult doctor for these.
I suggest you to go to emergency if your pain and swelling are severe.
It would be of great help if you can send me picture of your swollen legs.
If glycerine and magnesium sulphate are available over the counter in your place then you can apply it by your own.
You can take over the counter pain medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen or paracetamol.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Dr. Drkaushal85

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How Can Severe Edema In Both Feet When Diagnosed With COPD Be Treated?

Brief Answer: Possibility of cellulitis is more likely. Detailed Answer: Hi, By your history and description, possibility of cellulitis (infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue) is more likely. Redness, warm on touch, tenderness (pain on touching), not relieved by Lasix (diuretics) are more suggestive of cellulitis. This requires higher antibiotics, painkiller and anti inflammatory drugs. Glycerine and magnesium sulphate dressing is also required. All these are prescribed drugs so you need to consult doctor for these. I suggest you to go to emergency if your pain and swelling are severe. It would be of great help if you can send me picture of your swollen legs. If glycerine and magnesium sulphate are available over the counter in your place then you can apply it by your own. You can take over the counter pain medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen or paracetamol. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.