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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Edema On The Right Side Of The Body Be Treated?

i am the caregiver for my brother, he has ALS and declining fast, we found out the results of a x-ray done on Friday, ordered by his neurologist because he has edema only on the right side of his body, face arm leg and foot, it revealed that his heart is enlarged, I took him to the ER last week because of the swelling on the right side of his body. he has been having high blood pressure, his primary doctor is aware and the ER knew but they did not want to prescribe BP medication becaues his primary doctor may want him on certain meds. his bp was 158/100 yesterday and just now it is 161/112, what should we do? he has an appointment tomorrow morning with his primary doctor for follow up about edema
posted on Sat, 28 Oct 2017
Twitter Sun, 10 Dec 2017 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 12 Dec 2017 Last reviewed on
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Ayurveda Specialist,  's  Response
**
Thanks for contacting with your health concern

1. since he is a diagnosed case of ALS and under Neurologist and Primary Doctor supervision who have ordered the relevant investigation and medications for this problem [edema] thus they are well aware of patient's health condition and prognosis, thus without commenting on the medications, I'm of the following opinion till you get an appointment:

i. Physical examination is of utmost importance since swelling could be due to edema, allergic inflammation or infection, for that certain investigation like complete blood count, liver and kidney function test, heart ultrasound, total proteins in body and thyroid profile, abdominal or pelvic CT imaging to rule out any growth causing venous compromise, have to be done.

ii. It could be a blood clot which can lead to edema due to obstruction to blood flow leading to increased hydrostatic pressure in the venous system and causing swelling.

PS. A Doppler study or D- dimer test can confirm it, but common causes should be ruled out first.

iii. Once the cause is removed the swelling will automatically subside.
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How Can Edema On The Right Side Of The Body Be Treated?

** Thanks for contacting with your health concern 1. since he is a diagnosed case of ALS and under Neurologist and Primary Doctor supervision who have ordered the relevant investigation and medications for this problem [edema] thus they are well aware of patient s health condition and prognosis, thus without commenting on the medications, I m of the following opinion till you get an appointment: i. Physical examination is of utmost importance since swelling could be due to edema, allergic inflammation or infection, for that certain investigation like complete blood count, liver and kidney function test, heart ultrasound, total proteins in body and thyroid profile, abdominal or pelvic CT imaging to rule out any growth causing venous compromise, have to be done. ii. It could be a blood clot which can lead to edema due to obstruction to blood flow leading to increased hydrostatic pressure in the venous system and causing swelling. PS. A Doppler study or D- dimer test can confirm it, but common causes should be ruled out first. iii. Once the cause is removed the swelling will automatically subside.