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What Causes Severe Dryness In Mouth And Swelling In Legs?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jun 2016

Question: I have had sudden severe dry mouth and swelling in legs. I have dry mouth a lot, but this is severe and has been going on for about a week. No new meds, and my legs are really swollen.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Listed the most likely causes for such a presentation

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. There are a few causes that can result in such a presentation, and I shall go ahead and list them for your reference:

+Kidney abnormalities (will require a blood test or ultrasound KUB): Any such history?
+Dehydration: How many litres of water do you drink a day?
+Diabetes: Will require checking your blood sugar levels; have you been diagnosed with any chronic conditions?
+Iron poisoning: Has your diet or location changed off late?
+Medication allergies: As you mentioned no new medications, we can rule this one out
+Insect bites: Any such observations?
+Food related stomach infections: Any gastric symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal bloating, etc.?
+Aspiring poisoning: Are you on aspirin
+Side effect of medications: Please list all the medications you are on

I hope I have explained things to you in a manner best understood by you. Please do not hesitate to write to me about any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

I do take low dose aspirin daily. but have not had problems with it in the past. No new meds. I have been drinking more than usual because of the severe thirst. I do not have any new insect bites, no diarrhea, no reason for iron poisoning that I can think of, diet has not changed, The doctor said I was borderline for diabetes and my little sister had renal cancer and had to have her kidney removed. Is renal cancer hereditary? Can borderline diabetes cause severe thirst and swollen legs?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably diabetes is the cause for your presentation ma'am

Detailed Answer:
Hi ma'am.

The risk of renal cancer does increase if a close family member has it, yes.

And yes, borderline diabetes could quite possibly be the cause here. You may also have the classical triad:

+Polydipsia (increased thirst)
+Polyuria (increased urination)
+Polyphagia (increased hunger)

I would recommend a glucose profile including a HbA1c to confirm the diabetes and initiate treatment accordingly ma'am.

I hope you find my response helpful. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Thank you very much!

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I wish you luck ma'am

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

You are most welcome ma'am.

Best wishes.

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar