10. Swelling in Ankles and Legs (Edema)
Why it happens: Chronic lung failure often leads to pulmonary hypertension, which strains the heart, causing fluid buildup in legs and ankles.
How it feels: Shoes feel tighter; pressing on the shin leaves a dent.
Medical Tests:
- Echocardiogram: Checks right heart strain.
- BNP Blood Test: Detects heart-lung failure overlap.
- Doppler Ultrasound: Rules out blood clots.