[30F] Experiencing swelling, fever, and cardiovascular symptoms

Patient Description

A 30-year-old female reports persistent swelling in feet and ankles, which subsides with rest and elevation but reappears upon resuming activities. The patient also has red, painful spots on legs, feet, arms, and wrists, associated with the swelling. The swelling is warm but not painful to touch, while the spots are painful when touched. Additionally, the patient experiences on-and-off fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain but has not coughed up any blood. The patient has a sedentary office job with limited physical activity during work hours. Medical history includes a diagnosis of vertigo and high blood pressure, for which she is taking Viacoram Initio at the lowest dosage. No known drug allergies have been reported. The patient's symptoms and history suggest a need for further medical evaluation to rule out conditions such as thrombosis, especially considering the sedentary nature of her job and cardiovascular symptoms.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. DVT can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms. DVT can be serious because blood clots in your veins can break loose, travel through your bloodstream and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). The fact that you have been sitting for long periods of time at work can increase your risk of DVT.
- Treatment of DVT typically involves medications to thin your blood and slow its ability to clot. Sometimes filters are placed in the body's main vein to prevent clots from being carried into the lungs.
Cellulitis: This is a common bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. The red, painful spots on your legs, feet, arms, and wrists could be a sign of this condition.
- Treatment of cellulitis usually involves antibiotics to fight the infection.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): This is a chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Swelling in the feet and ankles is a common symptom of CHF, as are shortness of breath and chest pain. However, CHF is less likely given your age and lack of known heart disease.
- Treatment of CHF typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgery or devices.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention given your symptoms of swelling, red painful spots, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These could indicate serious conditions such as DVT or CHF. In the meantime:

Try to elevate your legs when you can to help reduce the swelling.
Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Try to take short walks or stretch every hour.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

If your shortness of breath or chest pain worsens
If you develop a high fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
If your swelling or red spots worsen or spread

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. You should seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins Management