Breathing difficulty while lying down is an abnormal condition in which a person must keep

the head raised by sitting or standing to be able to breathe deeply or comfortably.

This is a common complaint in people with some types of heart or lung problems. Sometimes
the problem is subtle. People may only notice it when they realize that sleep is more
comfortable with lots of pillows under their head, or their head in a propped-up position.
Causes

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Cor pulmonale

Heart failure

Obesity (does not directly cause difficulty breathing while lying down but often
aggravates other conditions that lead to it)

Panic disorder

Sleep apnea

Snoring

References
Massie BM. Heart failure: pathophysiology and diagnosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D,
eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 58.
Schraufnagel DE, Murray JF. History and physical examination. In: Mason RJ, Broaddus VC,
Martin TR, et al., eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine, 5th ed.
Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 17.
Difficulty Breathing When Lying Down Overview
It is not uncommon to become short of breath after physical activities or during moments of
extreme stress. However, if you have difficulty breathing after lying down, this may be a sign
or side effect of a serious medical condition. Certain diseases, anxiety disorders, and lifestyle
factors may cause breathing difficulty, and this condition is not always a medical emergency.
What Causes Difficulty Breathing When Lying Down?
Common causes for difficulty breathing when lying down are:

panic disorder
snoring
respiratory infections
sleep apnea

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to have shallow or brief pauses in breathing
while sleeping. This condition is usually caused by an obstruction in the airways.
Lying down too soon after eating may cause difficulty breathing. This may be due food
regurgitating up your esophagus or due to the pressure of the food in your stomach pressing
down on your diaphragm. Your diaphragm separates your stomach from your lungs. This
uncomfortable feeling is generally relieved by sitting up for a few hours until the food
digests.
People who are obese or extremely overweight may experience difficulty breathing when
lying down. This is because excess weight puts pressure on the lungs and diaphragm.
Wearing tight clothing may cause the same feeling.
In some cases, breathing difficulty can be a sign of a medical emergency. Severe causes for
difficulty breathing when lying down include heart failure.
What to Look for
Initial symptoms may include a feeling of being breathless upon lying flat on your back. You
may feel like you have difficulty taking deep breaths or breathing out. If this symptom was
caused by a medical condition such as sleep apnea or COPD (a lung disease that blocks
airflow), other symptoms may be present.Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

difficulty staying asleep

feeling fatigued during the day
snoring while sleeping
waking up with headaches
waking up with a sore throat
Symptoms of COPD include:

chronic coughing
difficulty breathing with activity
wheezing
frequent chest infections like bronchitis
If you experience any of the following symptoms along with difficulty breathing, seek
medical attention immediately:

pain in the chest

pains in the arms and neck or shoulders (often described as shooting pain)
fever
rapid breathing
rapid heart rate
weak pulse
dizziness upon standing or sitting
When to Seek Help

While breathing difficulty may not always be a sign of a serious medical condition, you
should talk to your doctor about any breathing issues right away. To diagnose the underlying
cause of your breathing difficulty, your doctor will perform a physical examination, review
your symptoms, and ask you about your medical history. You should also notify your doctor
if you begin having difficulty breathing after taking a prescription or over-the-counter
medication. Certain drugs used to treat pain, muscle stiffness, or anxiety can cause breathing
issues. (ALSA)
A physical exam will pay close attention to your heart and lungs. Additional tests may be
needed, such as:

chest X-rays to view the heart and lungs

echocardiogram to better view and diagnose potential problems with heart function
electrocardiogram (ECG) to test the electrical activity in the heart
Article Sources:
Breathing difficulty. (2011, January 31). National Library of Medicine National
Health
Institutes.
Retrieved
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20,
2012,
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COPD symptoms. (2011, March 15). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 12, 2012,
fromhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/copd/ds00916/dsection=symptoms
Difficulty breathing. (2009). ALS Association. Retrieved July 12, 2012,
fromhttp://www.alsa.org/als-care/resources/publications-videos/factsheets/breathingdifficulties.html
Sleep apnea. (2012, July 10). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Retrieved
July 20, 2012, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/
When Being Overweight is a Health Problem. (2010, October). Teens Health.
Retrieved July 12, 2012, fromhttp://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/dieting/obesity.html
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition that affects the chambers of your
heart. You have four heart chambers: two atria in the upper half of the heart and two
ventricles in the lower half. The ventricles send blood to your organs and tissues and the atria
receive blood as it circulates back from the rest of your body. CHF develops when your
ventricles cannot pump blood in sufficient volume. Blood and other fluids back up inside
your lungs, abdomen, liver, and lower body.
Types
Left-sided CHF damages your left ventricle (the chamber that pumps blood to the body), and
is the most common type of CHF. It can cause fluid to build up in your lungs, which makes
breathing difficult.
Right-sided CHF may accompany left-sided CHF, but does not always. Right-sided CHF is
when the right ventricle has difficulty pumping blood to the lungs. Blood builds up in your
blood vessels, which causes fluid retention in your lower extremities, abdomen, and other
vital organs.
Causes and Risks

CHF may result from other health conditions that directly affect your cardiovascular system.
Thats why it is important to get annual checkups to lower your risk for heart health
problems, including:
High Blood Pressure
When your blood pressure is higher than normal (greater than 120/80 mm Hg), it may lead to
CHF. High blood pressure occurs when your blood vessels become restricted by deposits of
cholesterol and fat or because of your age, making it harder for blood to pass through them.
Coronary Artery Disease
This disease damages your hearts coronary arteries (the small arteries that supply blood to
the heart) by restricting blood flow. Cholesterol and other types of fatty substances block the
arteries and cause them to narrow.
Valve Conditions
Your heart valves regulate blood flow through your heart by opening and closing to let blood
in and out of the chambers. Valves that do not open and close correctly may force your
ventricles to work harder to pump blood.
Symptoms
In the early stages of CHF, you most likely will not notice any changes in your health. But, as
your condition gets worse, you will experience gradual changes in your body. You may feel
more tired than usual, or experience noticeable weight gain even when your dietary habits
have not changed.
Symptoms you may notice first:

fatigue
swelling in your ankles, feet, and legs
weight gain
increased need to urinate, especially at night
Symptoms that indicate your condition has worsened:

irregular heartbeat
a cough that develops from congested lungs
wheezing
Symptoms that indicate a severe heart condition that requires immediate medical
attention:

chest pain that radiates through the upper body (this can also be a sign of a heart
attack)
rapid breathing
skin that appears blue (from lack of oxygen in your lungs)
fainting
Diagnosis
After reporting your symptoms to your healthcare provider, he or she may refer you to a
cardiologist (a heart specialist).
The cardiologist will perform a physical examination. The exam may involve listening to
your heart with a stethoscope to detect abnormal heart rhythms. To confirm an initial
diagnosis, your cardiologist might order specific diagnostic tests to examine your hearts
valves, blood vessels, and chambers.
These tests may include:

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which takes pictures of your heart

stress tests to see how well your heart performs under different levels of stress
blood tests to check for abnormal blood cells and infections
Treatment
Medications
ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors): ACE inhibitors open up
narrowed blood vessels to allow for better blood flow. Vasodilators are another option if you
cannot tolerate the ACE inhibitor medication.
Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers can reduce blood pressure and slow a rapid heart rhythm.
Diuretics: Your drug treatment may include taking diuretics to reduce your bodys fluid
content. CHF can cause your body to retain more fluid than it should.
Surgeries
If medications are not effective on their own, surgery may be required. Angioplasty, a
procedure to open up blocked arteries, is one option. Your cardiologist may also consider
heart valve repair surgery to help your valves open and close properly.
Part 7 of 7: Outlook
What Can I Expect in the Long Term?

Your condition may improve with medication and/or surgery. The earlier your condition is
diagnosed, the better your prognosis will be. Your outlook depends on how advanced your
CHF is and whether you have other health conditions to treat, such
as diabetes orhypertension.

Congestive Heart Failure. (2010, July). Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical

Center. Retrieved April 20, 2012, fromhttp://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/chf/
Cor pulmonale. (2011, May 1). PubMed Health. Retrieved April 20, 2012,
fromhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001186/
Heart failure. (2011, Dec. 3). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 20, 2012,
from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-failure/DS00061
Heart failure. (2011, July 22). PubMed Health.Retrieved April 20, 2012,
fromhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001211/
Heart Failure - Prognosis. (n.d.). HeartHealthyWomen.org. Retrieved May 19, 2012,
fromhttp://www.hearthealthywomen.org/cardiovascular-disease/heart-failure/heart-failure6.html
Medications. (n.d.). Heart Rhythm Society. Retrieved May 19, 2012,
fromhttp://www.hrsonline.org/patientinfo/treatments/medications/
Types of Viruses that May Cause Viral Heart Infection
Though a wide variety of viruses may affect the heart, there are a few that are more
commonly linked to myocarditis and other heart problems.
Adenovirus
This virus most commonly causes respiratory infections and may sometimes cause bladder
and bowel infections. It can also infect the heart. Its one of the most common viral causes of
myocarditis in both children and adults. The virus spreads through contact with droplets from
the nose and throat of an infected person.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
This group of viruses includes the herpes simplex viruses, varicella-zoster virus (which
causes chickenpox and shingles), and the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50 to 80 out of
every 100 people are infected with CMV by the time theyre 40 years old.
Typically, CMV lays dormant and harmless in the body, but it can cause infections, including
viral heart infection. This virus has also been associated with a 24 percent higher risk of
stroke or cardiovascular death and was also found in one study to be the most common viral
culprit in fatal myocarditis. The viruses are spread through contact with body fluids of an
infected person, or from a pregnant woman to a fetus during pregnancy.

Coxsackievirus B
This is the most common cause of viral heart infection or myocarditis, blamed for about half
the cases in the United States. Although it also can cause the flu, it may attack the heart,
creating an infection that lasts about two to 10 days, with cardiac symptoms potentially
arising within two weeks. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and chest pains. It doesnt
usually cause death, but may result in permanent heart damage, particularly if it recurs a
second time. This is a fecal-orally transmitted virus, which may be avoided by improving
sanitation and thoroughly washing hands.
ECHO (Enteric Cytopathic Human Orphan) Viruses
This family of viruses typically cause gastrointestinal infections and skin rashes and is
common in the United States, mostly in the summer and fall. The virus can also cause viral
heart infection and myocarditis. You may contract the virus by coming into contact with
contaminated stools, or by breathing in air particles from an infected person.
Epstein-Barr Virus
This virus is part of the CMV group of viruses. It causes mononucleosis and is one of the
most common human viruses. According to the CDC, as many as 95 percent of adults
between 35 and 40 years of age have been infected. This virus is also considered a common
cause of myocarditis. Transmission of the virus requires intimate contact with the saliva of an
infected person.
Human Parvovirus B19
This virus causes the so-called fifth disease, a mild rash illness that is more common in
children than adults. Its also occasionally associated with acute myocarditis. The virus
spreads through saliva or nasal mucus, when a person coughs or sneezes. Washing hands and
covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze can help reduce the spread of the
virus.
Rubella
Known as the virus that causes German measles, rubella can also cause viral heart infection.
Its also associated with miscarriages, stillbirths, and birth defects, and if it infects the heart,
can cause myocarditis, although its not one of the more common viruses to do so.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine available for this virus.
Symptoms and Treatment
Because many viral heart infections create no visible symptoms, the infection oftentimes goes
unnoticed. Symptoms that may occur, however, include an abnormal heartbeat, chest pain,
fatigue, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, joint pain or swelling, leg swelling, fainting, or

shortness of breath. However, blood tests, electrical testing, X-rays, and nuclear heart scan
testing can show signs of stress on the heart and may alert a doctor to the issue.
Treatment for viral heart infection may include medications like antibiotics (to treat the
infection), anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling in the heart, diuretics to remove
excess water and edema, a low-salt diet, and reduced activity. If the heart muscle has been
damaged or weakened, the doctor will treat the resulting issues, such as administering
medications to even out abnormal heart rhythmsor help reduce the risk of blood clots.
Overall, treatment will vary depending on the severity of the infection and the resulting
effects on the heart.
Heart failure is characterized by the hearts inability to pump an adequate supply of blood.
Without sufficient blood flow, all major body functions are disrupted. Heart failure is a
collection of symptoms and problems that weaken your heart. Some people with heart failure
have trouble with pumping blood out to the body. Others may experience a hardening and
stiffening of the heart muscle itself, causing issues with the filling of heart with blood. Heart
failure can affect the right or left side of your heart, or sometimes both at the same time. No
matter what form it takes, heart failure can be a chronic condition.
The symptoms of heart failure can appear suddenly, especially after a heart attack. A problem
with the heart valves that control the flow of blood in the heart chambers can also cause acute
symptoms.
Chronic heart failure can be easily recognized, particularly through shortness of breath and
swelling of the extremities. However, some early symptoms are not specific and you may be
tempted to ignore them. Heart failure is a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
Early treatment increases your chances of long-term recovery with fewer complications.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice changes in your ease of breathing, have chest
or arm pain, or experience a change in your heart rate or rhythm.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Many symptoms are not specific for heart disease, but if you have a family history of heart
disease and you experience any of the symptoms below, you should seek medical attention:

excessive fatigue
sudden weight gain
loss of appetite
coughing (sometimes with phlegm)
irregular pulse
heart palpitations
abdominal swelling
shortness of breath

leg and ankle swelling

protruding neck veins
Causes of Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in itself, but it is most often related to another disease or health
ailment. The most common cause of heart failure is coronary artery disease (sometimes called
coronary heart disease), which is a disease that causes narrowing of the arteries that supply
blood and oxygen to the heart.Related diseases or factors that may lead to, or put an
individual at higher risk for, heart failure include:

disorder of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) that causes the heart to become weak
congenital (present at birth) heart defects
heart attack
heart valve disease
certain types of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
high blood pressure
emphysema (a lung disease)
diabetes
an overactive or underactive thyroid
cancer treatments
HIV/AIDS
drug or alcohol use
severe forms of anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells, which leads to a lack of
oxygen to your tissues)
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, an excess of vitamin E may also
lead to heart failure (NHLBI).
Types of Heart Failure
Heart failure can occur in either the left- or right-hand side of your heart. Sometimes both
sides of your heart may fail at the same time. Left-sided and right-sided heart failure are very
different from a physical standpoint.
Left-side heart failure is the most common type of heart failure, according
toHealthyHeartWomen.org. The left ventricle is located in the bottom left-hand side of your
heart. This area pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body. Left-side heart failure
occurs when the left ventricle does not pump efficiently, and your body does not receive
enough oxygen-rich blood. The blood instead backs up into your lungs, causing shortness of
breath and fluid accumulation.
The right heart ventricle is responsible for pumping blood to your lungs to collect oxygen.
Right-side heart failure happens when the right side of your heart cant perform its job
adequately. Usually right-side heart failure occurs in response to left-side failure. The backup

of blood in the lungs caused by left-side heart failure makes the right ventricle work harder.
This overload of work can cause the right side of the heart to fail. Right-side heart failure can
also accompany other conditions, such as lung disease.
Heart failure is also classified in two other ways: diastolic and systolic. The term diastolic
has to do with filling of the heart with blood. The word systolic refers to pumping blood.
Diastolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes stiffer than normal. The
stiffness, due to heart disease, means that your heart does not fill with blood as easily as a
normal heart. The filling problem, called diastolic dysfunction, leads to a lack of blood
being pumped out to your body. This type of heart failure is more common in women Systolic
heart failure refers to the inability of the heart to adequately contract. The contractions of the
heart are necessary to pump oxygen-rich blood out to the body. The pumping problem, called
systolic dysfunction, happens when your heart is weak. This type of heart failure is more
common in men
Both diastolic and systolic heart failure can occur on the left or right sides of the heart. You
may experience the condition on both sides of the heart.
Risk Factors for Developing Heart Failure
Heart failure can happen to anyone. According to HeartHealthyWomen.org, one in five
people over the age of 40 will develop heart failure at some point (HeartHealthyWomen).
However, there are certain known factors that may increase your risk of developing this
condition.
Other risk factors include:

anemia
overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
emphysema
sedentary lifestyle
malnutrition or a high-fat diet
Diagnosis of Heart Failure
An echocardiogram is the most effective way to diagnose heart failure. This procedure
utilizes sound waves to create detailed pictures of the heart. It helps your doctor to determine
the current state of your heart, as well as the causes for your condition. Your doctor may use
an echocardiogram in conjunction with other tests, including:

chest X-rays: radiologic imaging of the heart and the surrounding organs
MRIs: magnetic resonance imaging that shows images of the heart without the use of
radiation

nuclear scans: a test that uses traces of injected radioactive materials to create images
of the hearts chambers
catheterization: a dye assisted X-ray exam in which the doctor inserts a thin tube
(catheter) in a blood vessel and guides it into the heartthis test can show how blood is
currently flowing through your heart
stress exam: a test in which an electrocardiogram machine monitors your heart
function during exercise, such as running on a treadmill
Holter monitor: a test in which electrode patches are placed on your chest and
attached to a small machine called a Holter monitor, which records the electrical activity of
your heartthis machine is worn for 24 to 48 hours
Medical tests will also correlate with the physical signs of heart failure. For instance, leg
swelling, an irregular heartbeat, and noticeable neck veins may make your doctor suspect
heart failure almost immediately.
Treating Heart Failure
Treating heart failure depends on the stage of your condition. Early treatment can improve
symptoms instantly, but it is still recommended that you receive regular testing every three to
six months. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to increase your lifespan.
Medication
Early stages of heart failure may be treated with medications to help your symptoms and
prevent your condition from getting worse. Certain medications are prescribed to:

increase your hearts blood-pumping abilities

reduce blood clots
decrease your heart rate, when applicable
remove excess sodium and replenish potassium
decrease cholesterol levels
Always ask your doctor before taking new medications. Some types are completely offlimits to heart failure patients, including naproxen and ibuprofen.
Surgery
Some heart failure patients require surgery, such as coronary bypass surgery. For this surgery,
the surgeon takes a healthy piece of artery and attaches it to the blocked artery. This causes
the blood to bypass the blocked, damaged artery and flow through the new one.
The surgeon may also perform an angioplasty, in which a tube with a small balloon attached
is inserted into the blocked or narrowed artery. Once it reaches the problem artery, the balloon
is inflated, which opens the artery. Sometimes, the doctor inserts a permanent stent into the
blocked or narrowed artery. A stent is a wire mesh tube that holds the artery open
permanently, which decreases the chance of future artery narrowing.

Other patients will need pacemakers to help control heart rhythms. These small devices are
placed into the chest and can slow the heart down when it is beating too fast, or increase the
rate if it is too slow. Pacemakers are often used in conjunction with bypass surgery as well as
medications.
Heart transplants are used in the final stages of heart failure when all other measures have
failed. During a transplant, a surgeon removes a portion of your heart, or the whole organ,
and replaces it with a healthy donor version.
Prevention of Heart Failure
A healthy lifestyle can aid in the treatment of heart failure, as well as prevent heart disease
from occurring in the first place. Losing weight can significantly decrease your risk of heart
failure, as well as reducing salt in your diet. Eating too much salt can significantly worsen
heart failure in a short amount of time.
Other healthy lifestyle habits include:

reducing alcohol intake

not smoking
reducing fat in diet
getting regular exercise (ask your doctor for recommendations if you currently have
heart failure)
getting adequate sleep
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, sleep disorders, such as sleep
apnea, can worsen heart failure (NHLBI).
Part 9 of 10: Complications
Complications of Heart Failure
Untreated heart failure can eventually lead to congestive heart failure, a condition in which
unpumped blood backs up into other areas of your body. In this potentially fatal condition,
you may experience fluid retention in your limbs as well as in your organs, such as the liver
and lungs.
Heart Attack
A heart attack may also occur as a result of a heart failure-related complication.

Bhimji, S., & Zieve, D. (2011, May 6). Heart bypass surgery. National Library of
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and
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Lung,
and
Blood
Institute. Retrieved
July
24,
2012,
from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hf/signs.html
What Is Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling?
Foot, leg, and ankle swellingalso known as peripheral edemarefers to an accumulation of
fluid in these parts of the body. The buildup of fluid is not usually painful, unless it is due to
injury. Swelling is often more apparent in the lower area of the body because of gravity.
Older people frequently experience this type of swelling. While it usually does not pose a
significant health risk, it is important to know when to see a doctor since swelling may
indicate a more serious underlying health issue.
What Are the Main Causes of Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling?
There are many potential causes of foot, leg, and ankle swelling. They include certain
lifestyle conditions or medications, such as:

being overweight
standing for prolonged periods of time
being confined for long periods of time (especially during car rides or flights)
taking estrogen or testosterone
taking certain antidepressants, such as tricyclics or MAO inhibitors
taking certain blood pressure medications
taking steroids
taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Other medical conditions or changes in your body can also cause your legs, feet, and ankles
to swell. These include:
natural changes during a womans menstrual cycle
pregnancy
preeclampsia (a condition during pregnancy that causes high blood pressure)
a blood clot of the leg
an infection in the leg area

venous insufficiency (when the veins are not adequately pumping blood)
injury
recent pelvic surgery
organ failure (particularly in the heart, liver, or kidney)
pericarditis (a swelling of the membrane around the heart)
lymphedema (a condition that causes blockages in the lymph system)
cirrhosis (scarring on the liver)
How Can You Treat Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling at Home?
There are several measures you can try at home if your feet, legs, and ankles regularly swell
up. These can help relieve swelling when it occurs and possibly help to prevent it.
You should try to elevate your legs whenever you are lying down, to a position above your
heart. You may want to place a pillow under your legs to make it more comfortable.
You can also:

stay active and focus on exercising the legs

try to reduce your salt intake
avoid the use of garters
maintain a healthy body weight
purchase support stockings.
choose clothing that fits loosely around your thigh area
make an effort to stand up and move around on a regular basis during air travel
When Should You See a Doctor for Your Condition?
While swelling in the lower extremities can simply be the result of standing for too long, it
can also be a sign of something more serious. The following information provides some
general guidelines about when swelling should be considered a medical emergency, and when
it warrants a trip to your doctor.
Emergency Care
If you experience any of the following symptoms along with foot, leg, and ankle swelling,
you should go to the nearest emergency room right away:

pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest area

dizziness
confusion
feelings of faintness
trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Doctors Office Visit
If any of the following describe your situation, you should schedule an appointment with
your family doctor as soon as possible:

you have worsening swelling in addition to heart or kidney disease

the swollen areas feel warm to the touch
the swollen areas are red in color
your body temperature is higher than normal
you are currently pregnant and are experiencing swelling that is severe or sudden
you have swelling in your legs and also have liver disease
you have tried the tips for at-home care, but they have not been successful
your swelling is getting worse
What to Expect During Your Doctors Visit
During your visit, the doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask you about your
symptoms. You should be prepared to explain:

where you are noticing the swelling

the times of day when the swelling tends to be worse
if you are experiencing any other symptoms
if you notice any factors that tend to make the swelling better or worse
To help diagnose the cause of the swelling, your doctor may order one or more of the
following tests:

blood tests
X-rays
urine tests
an ECG to assess heart function
If a health condition is determined to be cause of your swelling, your doctor will first attempt
to treat that underlying condition. If the cause of your swelling is non-serious or lifestylerelated, your doctor may recommend some of the lifestyle changes mentioned above. He or
she may also probably advise you to reduce your sodium intake.

According to the National Institutes of Health, in some cases, doctors will prescribe diuretics
to help reduce swelling. However, these medicines have side effects, and are usually used
only if home remedies are not working. (NIH)
Written
by Krista
O'Connell
Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD
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