Can diuretics cure shortness of breath?

Question

I just had a baby 3 months ago (ignore picture - I'm using hubby's Yahoo account). Anyway, ever since then, I've been very short of breath and even have my hands / feet go numb, especially after meals. My blood pressure is normal, but sometimes it seems like my heart skips a beat.

A friend of mine recommended that I take OTC diuretics until my next doctor's appointment. She said it could be pulmonary edema caused by hormones getting back to normal. Has anyone heard of this? Do the diuretics work?

I just started taking them this morning, and they're actually helping me breathe!

Answer 1

It can be pulmonary edema, and diuretics are prescribed for this. However, you should not be self-diagnosing and popping pills for this, you need to call your physician immediately, explain the symptoms, and if they can't get you in sooner go to the ER. Too many diuretics will cause you more harm than good, like dehydration which will lead to metabolic problems. I urge you to call your doctor ASAP

Answer 2

If it was pulmonary edema..you'd be in the ER...its not something that would come and go without taking strong diuretics and the over the counter stuff isnt strong enough to remove fluid from the lungs...one sign of pulmonary edema is look at your ankles/lower legs...have they been getting swollen at times???Can you press your finger into skin and it leaves an indent??If so then you are retaining fluid...but not necessarrily enough to go to lungs..also your pressure would be up if it was pulm.edema...when youre short of breath do you begin to breath fast and then things go numb??If that is the case then it sounds like hyperventilation...most women gain extra weight when pregnant...you probably still have some of that and it could be causing pressure on certain nerves etc because with the extra weight people tend to shift when they walk etc to compensate for it....you need to call your doc and get a closer appointment..and if it continues and breathing becomes difficult then call 911..also if yuo are breat feeding you need to STOP taking the OTC...you will transfer some of this drug to the baby which could have SERIOUS results.....so go call your doc now...

Answer 3

Your friend is right, not sure about the hormones causing it but get yourself to a doctor as soon as possible.

An OTC diuretic might help, avoid salt and salty foods, no hot dogs this weekend.

This could be very dangerous.

Answer 4

Are you breast feeding your baby? Feeding and holding the little one for long periods can cause numb hands and feet. But so can a lot of other things. Some pregnant women get numb arms and hands during that last month(s) but this needs to be evaluated by your physician. Are you getting plenty of exercise and eating and drinking healthy? When you are pregnant your blood volume increased to take care of you and the baby. That can be a challenge to the heart. No matter what the cause, you have a brand new reason to get to the phone and get to your doctor. Do it today.

Answer 5

I would get to the doctor sooner than the next appt. You could have fluid around your heart that is causing the shortness of breath, normally your hands and or ankles and feet will swell if you have excess fluids in you. You could also have irregular heart beat since it appears to skip a beat every now and then.

Answer 6

I think you should at least CALL your doctor's office and talk to his nurse and report your symptoms. They most likely won't charge for info over the phone and doctor will PROBABLY want to see you SOON with these symptoms. Self-treating and self-diagnosis are risky even for doctors. And you have a baby depending on you so you absolutely MUST ensure your own health, okay? Pulmonary edema can be life threatening! Go call NOW please....
hugs from cryllie

Answer 7

OTC diuretics can be dangerous if you are taking them without doctor supervison, call your physician and talk to them