Understanding the Role of Dialysis in Lung Fluid Management
A 72-year-old man weighing 140 pounds is experiencing complications from kidney failure, particularly involving fluid accumulation in the lungs rather than around them. He is dealing with low oxygen levels and a decreased heart rate, and has a history of open heart surgery from the previous year. Additionally, he regularly undergoes dialysis as part of his treatment for kidney failure; however, missing dialysis sessions has contributed to the fluid build-up in his lungs. I would appreciate straightforward insights on this issue, rather than just optimistic hopes. Thank you for your assistance.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 4:10:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
Essential Points: The buildup of fluid in the lungs due to kidney failure can lead to serious complications, including low oxygen levels and decreased heart rate. Dialysis is a vital part of managing this fluid accumulation. It's important to prioritize consistent dialysis sessions to prevent further complications.
Explanation: In patients with kidney failure, the kidneys are unable to remove excess fluid and waste from the body, leading to fluid retention. When this fluid accumulates in the lungs, it can cause shortness of breath and lower oxygen levels, which is concerning, particularly for someone with a history of heart surgery. Missing dialysis sessions can exacerbate this condition by allowing fluid to build up, stressing the heart and lungs.
Next Steps:
-
Prioritize Dialysis Attendance: Ensure that dialysis sessions are not missed. If scheduling or transportation issues are present, consider discussing these barriers with the care team to find solutions, like potential home dialysis options or transport assistance.
-
Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a daily symptom diary noting shortness of breath, activity levels, and any changes in heart rate. This record will help the healthcare team make informed decisions about treatment adjustments.
-
Stay Hydrated, But Manage Fluid Intake: While it's crucial to stay hydrated, fluid intake might need to be limited based on your dialysis schedule. Follow dietary recommendations from your healthcare provider regarding fluid restrictions.
-
Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Regularly update your healthcare team about any changes in symptoms, especially regarding shortness of breath or oxygen levels. This helps them adjust treatment more effectively.
-
Consider Supplemental Oxygen: If low oxygen levels persist, discuss the possibility of using supplemental oxygen with your healthcare provider to manage breathing difficulties.
By focusing on these specific actions, you can help mitigate the concern of fluid buildup and manage your overall health effectively. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on any point, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Struggling to Breathe
I’m experiencing significant difficulty in taking deep breaths. There's a persistent wheezing sound, and my chest feels constricted. Additionally, I lack energy and feel exhausted. For the past day, I’ve also been battling a cold, characterized by relentless sneezing, a sore throat, and a bothersome cough that’s deep in my chest. This isn’t the first time I've faced such an issue; it has occurred approximately six times over the past 18 months. The situation tends to worsen during the night, and by morning, I often feel a bit better, although I’m left feeling utterly fatigued from lack of sleep. I’ve noticed that I’m inhaling approximately every six seconds for around three seconds each time, and my heart seems to be racing more than usual. Is it possible this could be related to COVID-19? What might be causing my susceptibility to it? I am a 35-year-old female, 5'3" tall, weighing 60 kg. I do not smoke or consume alcohol or drugs and have no known allergies or current medications. I reside in the UK. In my childhood, I had asthma but haven’t required an inhaler for decades. I also had croup, with my last episode occurring when I was about seven or eight years old.
Experiencing Mild Perihilar Pulmonary Congestion?
Greetings, everyone. I am a 27-year-old man who neither smokes nor vapes, and my only regular medication is low-dose naltrexone (LDN). Recently, I completed a five-day round of antibiotics and am due to start a five-day regimen of prednisone at a dosage of 20 mg, although I haven’t begun that treatment yet. My health background includes persistent issues related to long COVID and heart troubles, specifically myopericarditis, which I faced three years ago. In addition, I've dealt with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), enduring various fluctuations in my symptoms. Thankfully, I have reached a point where I'm able to take regular walks and pursue nursing school full-time. A few months back, I experienced pneumonia and suffered from shortness of breath until an emergency room visit led to a diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics; my doctor suggested it might have been lingering effects of the pneumonia that required attention. After the treatment, my condition improved, but four weeks ago, I began experiencing unusual shortness of breath that occurs when I lie down, persisting throughout the day. Following another visit to the ER, various heart tests and an X-ray were conducted, both of which indicated that everything appeared normal. During a subsequent doctor's appointment, I reviewed the X-ray results that stated my lungs were clear, with no signs of pleural effusion and a normal cardiomediastinal silhouette. However, they noted mild peripheral pulmonary congestion. This has caused me a considerable amount of distress, as I am worried that it might relate to heart issues, potentially indicating pulmonary edema. After completing the five-day antibiotic course, I felt slightly better, went for a lengthy day at SeaWorld, and even returned to the gym for a light walk on the treadmill, but shortly after, the symptoms resurfaced. I have the prednisone on hand for my treatment. Now I find myself anxious about whether this could be a heart-related issue or if it’s purely a lung problem. I’m overwhelmed with worry regarding this situation! Am I overthinking things? Has anyone else faced a similar experience?
Struggling with Coughing After COVID?
I’m a 44-year-old woman who smokes and has type 2 diabetes, managed with metformin. Approximately ten days ago, I contracted COVID-19, initially presenting with a painful sore throat, fever, and cough. Although the fever and sore throat have subsided, I’m now experiencing persistent coughing fits that result in the production of thick, almost chunky phlegm, which is tinged with yellow and white. During these episodes, I feel dizzy, and my abdominal muscles ache from the relentless coughing. Furthermore, I haven’t smoked in the past six days, and for the last couple of days, I’ve noticed a complete loss of appetite. Is this likely to resolve on its own, or would it be wise to consult a healthcare provider?
Experiencing Pressure Around the Eyes and Forehead
For the past six months, I have been intermittently feeling a peculiar pressure located behind my eyes and along the bridge of my nose. While some may attribute this discomfort to sinus-related issues, I have explored various remedies aimed at relieving sinus pressure, and unfortunately, none have provided any relief. To give you a better understanding of my background: - Height: 157 cm - Weight: 53 kg - Gender: Female - Currently recovering from Atypical Anorexia - Previously experienced hypothalamic amenorrhea The sensation I’m facing is pressure rather than pain. It feels as if there’s a heavy weight pushing directly behind my eyes (not within the eyelids) or along my nose bridge, with occasional feelings of pressure in my forehead. At times, the intensity increases, bringing forth sensations akin to the onset of a headache at the back of my head, yet it never fully develops into one. This overwhelming feeling leads to a sense of overstimulation, making it hard for me to concentrate on tasks such as reading, writing, or even viewing videos online. I often feel a sense of restlessness, and I find that the only temporary relief comes from engaging in social media or indulging in unhealthy snacks, both of which I try to limit knowing they only serve as fleeting distractions. Falling asleep has become notably challenging since this pressure does not subside when my eyes are shut. Interestingly, caffeine seems to offer a brief respite, but it eventually exacerbates the issue. The pressure appears somewhat sporadically throughout the month, but I’ve observed that it intensifies during my luteal phase. While I sometimes experience it during ovulation, it tends to dissipate by my luteal phase and return once menstruation concludes. This observation is significant, as I have a history of not having periods, with six months of amenorrhea prior to regaining my cycle in January. However, it disappeared again in February due to resuming dieting too quickly. Strangely enough, this pressure also manifested in February and was far more intense than what I experience now. Since having my period return, the pressure remains, and I have begun taking magnesium supplements. While they appeared to help reduce stress and stabilize my heart rate variability (which was notably low), they did not alleviate the pressure at all. I have undergone blood tests to check for potential nutritional deficiencies as well as thyroid hormone levels. I am truly perplexed by this issue and am seeking any guidance or insights you might have regarding what could be causing these sensations. Thank you for your assistance.
Kidney Infection Concern
Hello everyone! I'm reaching out for some guidance since I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and don't have a lot of support right now. I could really use any tips or insights you might have. So, last week on Monday (July 21), I visited my primary care physician due to experiencing intense burning sensations while urinating. After testing my urine, they diagnosed me with a urinary tract infection—something I had never encountered before. They prescribed me an antibiotic; however, I can't remember its name. I started taking it that very day and continued through Tuesday. Come Wednesday (July 23), I woke up with an awful pain in my lower back, along with nausea and a slight fever. Given the severe discomfort I was in, I contacted my doctor, who suggested I go to the emergency room. In the ER, they conducted blood tests, a urinalysis, and provided fluids through an IV. A CT scan was performed, revealing no kidney stones, but it confirmed that the infection had spread to my kidneys. I was discharged on Levofloxacin 750 mg, but rather than improving, I felt worse than before. I endured nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue until Sunday (July 27), when I sought help at an urgent care clinic. They tested my urine and informed me that neither of the two antibiotics I had taken were effective against the infection, which explained my ongoing symptoms. They then switched my medication to Macrobid 100 mg to be taken twice daily. It's now Tuesday, and I've been on the new medication since Sunday. Unfortunately, I still feel the same. Each morning, I wake up feeling nauseous to the point of vomiting. I also have significant stomach pain and have been dealing with constipation since last Tuesday, which I suspect may be related to the medications—but I'm unsure. To top it off, my lower back pain has returned, and I'm feeling quite lost about what to do next. Has anyone else experienced something similar? It feels as if nothing is working effectively. Should I consider going to see a doctor again? Am I being too impatient with the Macrobid? I would really appreciate any advice or support during this frustrating time!