What Causes Swollen Legs And Mucus Laden Cough While On Insulin, Trajenta And Invokana For Diabetes?

Posted on Thu, 2 Jan 2014

Question: I'm a Diabettic on Insulin, Trajenta, Amaryl, and Invokana. Swollen legs have come and gone and come back in last month. I've been sick with a mucas laden cough, no sneezing, but heavy buildup in the nose. Last dose of Z-PAck was ineffective the last time I had these symptoms. Doctor is worried about creating an immune problem. New issue a rattling in my front left thigh in between my knee and groin. Happens every time I get up and start walking and stops. No pain, just annoying that it feels weird

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: likely viral illness Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The symptoms of wet cough, nasal congestion and secretion are most common related to viral illnesses. Less commonly there can be a bacterial cause. Antibiotics such as z pak would not be effective for a viral infection. If they are used repeatedly for viral illnesses, there is a risk of developing antibiotic resistance. In general these symptoms last 7 to 14 days though the cough can persist up to 6 weeks. This is called a post viral cough. The treatment would consist of the following: (1) using enough fluids- this would decrease the viscosity of the secretions (2)a humidifier and the use of warm facial compressions would also help with drainage (3)a mucolytic would help to get rid of the secretions in your chest and nose by helping to break them up so they can be expelled. Examples are mucotec, mucomyst, bisolvan, mucinex. (4 ) a cough suppressant may also be helpful In term of the abnormal sensation in the leg, it may be related to the viral illness you are currently fighting or to diabetes. Viral illnesses because they are usually associated with altered food and fluid intake can result in electrolyte disturbance that can cause these symptoms. Alternatively diabetes is well known to cause neuralgia or nerve related pain. If it continues beyond this viral illness, you should consider assessment by your doctor. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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