What causes leg edema in patients with emphysema?
Disease description:
My grandmother has emphysema and has been actively cooperating with her doctor's treatment. However, she has developed swelling in her lower limbs over the past few days. I would like to know what might be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xue Yajun
Lower limb edema in patients with emphysema may result from poor dietary habits, such as frequent consumption of high-salt foods, leading to water and sodium retention. It could also be caused by prolonged inactivity or sitting for long periods, which impairs blood flow in the lower limbs and causes local ischemia. Additionally, long-term misuse of glucocorticoid medications can easily lead to water and sodium retention, thereby causing the aforementioned symptoms.
