Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Bilateral Edema In Legs, Fatigue And Bronchitis
Question: My boyfriend was just told today by having an echo last week. That he has fluid around the heart. He's been complaining about bilateral edema in his legs, feeling fatigued, and "not seeming" like he's getting enough air when he exerts himself. 2 weeks ago he was put on antibiotics for a dx of bronchitis. He still was having a hard time breathing. So he saw another doc and she put him back on antibiotics. he had a CXR and was dx with bronchitis but they said there was no sign of CHF at that time. so, now 1 week later he has his echo and they say that he's got a lot of fluid around the heart. He has an onxy MVR where the valves look really good. My question, is what can they do about the fluid around his heart? do they drain it? or do they put him on like a Lasix pill to get rid of the fluid? he's 46 years old and right now thinking that he's going to die. please let me know what your thoughts are. Thank you pjh
Brief Answer:
He has Viral Pericarditis....Lasix is big NO. Drainage depends!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this fluid collection your boyfriend has around the heart. I have reviewed the information fully. Considering the fact that he had bronchitis two weeks ago, this is very suggestive of viral induce pericarditis. This happens when a virus causes inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart. Because inflammation leads to excess fluid production, it accumulates in this area.
The problem is that accumulated fluid would prevent the heart from functioning normally and this would cause symptoms similar to heart failure. However, this is not heart failure and tests would show so.
The decision to drain or not depends on the amount of fluid collection. If it is in small volumes, then drugs against inflammation are used. If it is much, drainage is advised. Considering all the information you have provided about his current management, I think the doctor are not on the decision to drain at this time. They may consider that in future if the volume is much.
Lasix is an absolute NO. It causes more harm than good in conditions like this. Recovery from viral pericarditis is high and with your boyfriend in the hospital already, death is really really unlikely at this time.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
He has Viral Pericarditis....Lasix is big NO. Drainage depends!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this fluid collection your boyfriend has around the heart. I have reviewed the information fully. Considering the fact that he had bronchitis two weeks ago, this is very suggestive of viral induce pericarditis. This happens when a virus causes inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart. Because inflammation leads to excess fluid production, it accumulates in this area.
The problem is that accumulated fluid would prevent the heart from functioning normally and this would cause symptoms similar to heart failure. However, this is not heart failure and tests would show so.
The decision to drain or not depends on the amount of fluid collection. If it is in small volumes, then drugs against inflammation are used. If it is much, drainage is advised. Considering all the information you have provided about his current management, I think the doctor are not on the decision to drain at this time. They may consider that in future if the volume is much.
Lasix is an absolute NO. It causes more harm than good in conditions like this. Recovery from viral pericarditis is high and with your boyfriend in the hospital already, death is really really unlikely at this time.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much for the answer. I also have some cardiac medical expirenece being a MA, but, I wasn't thinking that. Would this dx...if it is...also cause and enlarged heart? On the CXR is did state that his heart has gotten larger as well? Thanks so much. PJH
Brief Answer:
Yes, big heart is seen on CXR in pericarditis!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
When fluid accumulates around the heart, it causes it to become large and seen as cardiomegaly on CXR. It is not the heart itself which is enlarged but the accumulated fluid itself that gives it such a look.
I hope this helps. I wish your boyfriend a speedy recovery.
Yes, big heart is seen on CXR in pericarditis!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
When fluid accumulates around the heart, it causes it to become large and seen as cardiomegaly on CXR. It is not the heart itself which is enlarged but the accumulated fluid itself that gives it such a look.
I hope this helps. I wish your boyfriend a speedy recovery.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
