Lupus Nephritis: If the Swelling Stops, Will My Shortness of Breath Go Away

A:

Lupus Nephritis is an inflammation of the kidney caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease of the immune system. From what you said, we can see that you have swelling, fatigue and shortness of breath. Though you are taking fluid pills, they may be not helpful for your state of illness, because your feet are still swollen. Maybe your current treatment is not very suitable for your state of illness. You had better talk with your doctor to change your treatment plan. Our online doctor can also help you. Now let’s have a look at your shortness of breath. Many factors can cause shortness of breath.

-Swelling

Do you have pulmonary edema? It may cause fluid to collect in the numerous air sacs in the lungs so as to make you difficult to breathe. In such case, if the swelling stops, your shortness of breath goes away.

-Anemia

With anemia, there are not enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to your whole body, so it is likely for you to have shortness of breath and weak feeling. The reason why you get anemia is that the damaged kidneys reduce the secretion of erythropoietin to make red blood cells. In such case, it is necessary for you to supplement moderate iron tablets or inject EPO to improve anemia.

-Medications

You said you take a splethora of medicines. Those medicines usually have many side effects if taken for long-term. Your swelling, fatigue and shortness of breath may be associated with them. In such case, you should talk with your doctor to change the medicine you use into some natural ones.

Because the given information is very limited, I can not give you the accurate answer whether your shortness of breath go away or not when your swelling stops. You can send your medical test report to kidneycares@hotmail.com. After analyzing your case, we can reply you.