My brother-in-law is smoker with COPD; 60 years old. Now has new symptoms of unilateral lower foot swelling with blisters; Then his right hand spelled up, went away with a few days, then had unilateral face swelling down to neck. I m concerned about superior vena cava obstruction. Do you have any ideas about this? I am advising him to see Cardiology.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your brother-in-law s situation and problem. COPD is risk factor for venous thrombosis. But other possible causes are 1. Right sided heart failure 2. Renal failure 3. Hypoproteinemia. If he is being Chat Doctor.  And all the above-mentioned conditions can cause dependent edema. So consult cardiologist and get done 1. 2d echo 2. Renal function test 3. Serum protein level. First diagnose himself and then start appropriate treatment. Wishing him good health. Thanks.