What Causes Abdominal Bloating, Shortness Of Breath And Swelling Of Ankles?

Posted on Wed, 23 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 13 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am experiencing abdominal bloating, shortness of breath, swelling of ankles, feeling of fullness, abnormal weight gain (I gained 7 pounds in one week). I have just recently had an angiogram with results of no blockage. I was recently diagnosed with afib, but am not constantly in afib. I have had a chest xray with a slight showing of some fluid in the pleurisy sacs (I probably am not saying this correctly). My Dr didn't think this was anything to worry about. I am at my wits end trying to get rid of the swelling and difficulty in breathing. I am taking 20 mg of lasex in the morning and again in the afternoon. What am I missing that I should be discussing with my Dr?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Following causes to difficulty in breathing... Detailed Answer: Hi, From what you are describing, weight gain is due to swelling of ankles and other parts of your body. Swelling means that extra fluid is deposing in the ankles or other body parts (especially legs and feet). The most common cause is kidney and liver problems. Liver and kidney function tests should be carried out to evaluate your kidneys and liver. With regards to difficulty to breathing, it could be related to "fluid inside the pleural sac" (pleural infusion). A further evaluation of respiratory airways should be carried out. To my opinion, pleural infusion is causing troubles with breathing. Furthermore, disorders of heart rhythm should also be ruled out through Holter monitoring and EKG. Depending on the tests results, specific treatment will be prescribed. Hope it helped! Do not hesitate to contact me again if you have more questions! Dr.Benard

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