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What Causes Swelling In The Hands And Breathlessness?

Posted on Mon, 3 Apr 2017

Question: Hello,
I have been experiencing painful, swollen hands for the past 2 months. I also feel out of breath and I feel my heart racing. I got some tests results back: Complement c3 and c4. C3 was 57mg/dl and c4 was 17mg/dl. My vitamin D was low 20, and RBC, urine was 4-10/HPF. I got the results online today, and these were the results that seemed abnormal. I have a follow up in a month. Should I be prepared to hear "lupus"?

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Is it lupus

Detailed Answer:
good evening

thank you for writing on health care magic

Well I would like to ask you a few more questions before guiding you further

1. do you have history of oral ulcers or hair fall

2. When you say swollen hands does it mean the joints are swollen or are they puffy

3. any history of color change of hands on cold exposure

4. any history of rashes over the weekend body

5. any history of weight gain or Weight loss

6. was your ana test carried out

do let me know these queries. the test performed r not sufficient for diagnosis.. will guide you fuether from here

regards
Dr naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (34 minutes later)

Thank you so much for your fast response. No rashes, and ana not tested. I had one oral ulcer on inside cheek last week that cleared up in a few days. My hair is thinning from before so I can't tell if it's presently thinning further. My hands get so swollen and in pain at night that I have a hard time sleeping and bending them. My hands, legs, and feet become a slight purple hue when cold--including fingernails and toenails. I also have gasping attacks at night, where I try to catch my breath for a few seconds, and heart racing.

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Is it connective tisssue disease

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Well, you do have symptoms pointing towards some connective tissue disease. It is hard to say if it is Lupus or which side it is heading to....But to summarize your symptoms:

1. Raynauds Phenomeon: BLuish discoloration of nails

2. Joint pains at night

3. Palpitations: We need to see the cause

SO before you meet your rheumatologist if you can get these tests done , it will give us an idea where you are heading and your visit will be more conclusive

1. ANA( IFA Method)
2. ENA Profile
3. CBC, ESR, Liver function tests, Renal function tests
4. ECG of the heart

Complements are not very specific and we may need a repeat urine routine as well

DO let me know for further queries... We need these tests to be sure of your diagnosis

REgards
Dr Naval

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

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)

Thank you so much doctor. I will follow the recommendations. Thank you for the detailed response.

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Further course

Detailed Answer:
good evening.

No worries at all... I am glad I could be of some help. Do update me with the results when you get

regards
Dr naval

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj