Why Am I Suddenly Experiencing Swollen Ankles And Feet While On Medication For Respiratory Issues, Asthma And COPD?

Posted on Mon, 10 Jan 2022

Question: I recently am experiencing swollen ankles and feet (age 69-female). Have been on mediation routine for past 11 months using Symbicort inhaler b.i.d. and have had several recent rounds of prednisone due to respiratory issues - also take 1 mg Estradiol daily....have asthma/copd recently diagnosed (7/2017)...do not understand sudden onset of swelling - no significant changes in daily routines - is this serious?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get done ecg and 2d echo.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Edema feet in COPD patients should always be evaluated for heart diseases like heart failure.
So better to get done ecg and 2d echo first.
If both these are normal then no need to worry for heart diseases.
Another possibility is skin infection (dermatitis).
So please let me know
1. Is the swollen area hot or warm to touch?
2. Is this edema having pain?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions so that I can guide you if it is infection related or not.
Sometimes prednisone use can also cause similar swelling.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D