51-Year-Old Man with Diagnosis of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism
This past Wednesday, I received a diagnosis indicating a significant deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my left calf, alongside several pulmonary embolisms (PE). For the past few weeks, I've experienced considerable leg discomfort and persistent coughing. Although I've been prescribed anticoagulants, my cough has noticeably intensified over the last four days. I'm concerned about whether these blood thinners are exacerbating my symptoms. Below is the CT scan analysis: The CT findings reveal numerous filling defects within the pulmonary arterial system, particularly affecting the subsegmental branches in various lobes: the median and lateral segments of the right upper lobe, the anterior and lateral basal segments of the right lower lobe, as well as the anterior segment of the left upper lobe. There are no signs of elevated right ventricular pressure, nor are there any issues such as pleural or pericardial effusions. The lung tissue appears free of any consolidation, ground-glass opacities, nodules, or masses. Additionally, the tracheobronchial passage is unobstructed and there is an absence of abnormal lymph nodes in the thoracic cavity.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 3:20:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
Given your recent diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), it’s understandable to be concerned about your symptoms, especially the intensifying cough. Your situation is significant and requires careful management, especially while on anticoagulants, which are intended to prevent further clotting.
Main Points:
- Intensified Cough and Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants are necessary for your condition, but they typically do not directly cause coughing. Your cough may be arising from irritation or inflammation in the lungs due to the embolisms, or another underlying condition.
- Monitoring Symptoms: It's crucial to carefully observe your symptoms and identify any alarming changes.
Explanation:
The presence of multiple pulmonary embolisms can lead to inflammation and changes in lung function, which might explain your persistent cough. It’s good that you are on anticoagulant therapy, as it significantly reduces the risk of further clot-related complications. However, it’s essential to determine whether your coughing is a result of the embolisms or another cause, such as a respiratory infection or allergic reaction.
Next Steps:
-
Track Your Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed record of your cough, including frequency, severity, and any accompanying symptoms (like chest pain or difficulty breathing).
- Note any instances of fever, increased leg discomfort, or changes in your general health.
-
Hydration and Humidification:
- Stay well-hydrated, as this can help relieve irritation in your throat and lungs.
- Consider using a humidifier in your living space to reduce dryness in your airways.
-
Avoid Irritants:
- Steer clear of cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and other irritants that can exacerbate coughing.
-
Seek Immediate Attention if Necessary:
- If you notice symptoms like increased difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain, or coughing up blood, it’s imperative to seek emergency medical care.
-
Follow-Up:
- Review your symptoms with your healthcare provider who prescribed the anticoagulants. Discuss your concerns about the cough, as they may want to conduct further evaluations or adjust your treatment plan.
Maintaining regular follow-ups is vital to ensure your management is on track and to adjust as needed based on your symptoms. Remember, you are not alone in this, and proactive monitoring can help manage your health effectively. Let me know if you need more information or have further concerns!
Related Questions
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods