Hello dear
Swelling under the eyes that has persisted for 2–3 months, especially in a person with diabetes, high blood pressure, and occasional shortness of breath, should be evaluated by a doctor. Although previous kidney tests were normal, kidney disease can develop over time, and early diabetic kidney disease may not always be obvious on routine testing.
Possible causes include kidney disease with protein loss in the urine, heart-related fluid retention, liver disease causing low blood protein levels, thyroid disorders, medication effects, allergies, or simply age-related changes around the eyes. The associated shortness of breath makes heart and kidney causes more important to rule out.
I would recommend seeing his physician for an examination and tests including:
* Kidney function tests (creatinine, urea, electrolytes) * Urine routine examination and urine albumin/protein-to-creatinine ratio * Liver function tests including albumin * Complete blood count * Thyroid function tests * Blood pressure and diabetes review (including HbA1c) * Chest X-ray and ECG * An echocardiogram may also be needed if heart failure is suspected
Because he has a history of liver problems and is taking multiple herbal/Ayurvedic products, it is important for his doctor to review all medications and supplements, as some herbal preparations can affect the liver, kidneys, or interact with prescribed medicines.
If the shortness of breath is worsening, occurs at rest, is associated with chest pain, or he develops new swelling of the legs, he should seek urgent medical attention.
Take care Feel free to reach out
The combination of progressive swelling under the eyes for 2–3 months, diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of liver problems, and occasional shortness of breath warrants a medical evaluation. Although kidney tests were reportedly normal in November 2025, kidney disease related to diabetes can develop or worsen over time, and under-eye puffiness can sometimes be an early sign of fluid retention from kidney disease, even before leg swelling appears. Other possibilities include protein loss in the urine, heart-related fluid retention, liver disease, thyroid disorders, allergies, medication effects, or sleep-related issues.
Given his history, the most important tests would include:
Kidney function tests (serum creatinine, urea, eGFR) Urine routine examination and urine albumin/protein test (including urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) Liver function tests (LFTs) and blood protein/albumin levels Blood pressure and blood sugar assessment (HbA1c) Complete blood count (CBC) Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4) If shortness of breath is significant, a chest X-ray, ECG, and possibly an echocardiogram may be needed to assess heart function.
It is also important that his doctors know about all medications and supplements he is taking, including Ayurvedic products, since some herbal preparations can occasionally affect the kidneys, liver, or fluid balance.
Hello,
The combination of progressive swelling under the eyes for 2–3 months and intermittent shortness of breath in a 49-year-old man with diabetes and hypertension deserves medical evaluation and should not be attributed to aging or fatigue alone.
The most important possibilities include:
1. Kidney disease (even if previous tests were normal)
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the most common causes of kidney disease.
Early kidney disease can cause:
Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning
Protein leakage in urine
Fluid retention
Later, swelling in the legs and shortness of breath
Normal kidney tests several months ago do not completely rule this out, especially if symptoms have developed since then.
2. Heart-related fluid retention
Shortness of breath together with facial puffiness raises concern about possible heart involvement.
Diabetes and hypertension increase the risk of:
Heart failure
Reduced heart pumping function
Fluid accumulation
Not everyone develops leg swelling initially.
3. Low blood protein levels
This can occur due to:
Kidney protein loss
Liver disease
Nutritional issues
Low albumin levels can cause swelling around the eyes.
4. Liver disease
Since he has a history of liver problems, liver function should be reassessed, although isolated under-eye swelling is less typical than abdominal swelling or leg swelling.
5. Medication or supplement-related effects
It is important to review all medications and supplements, including Ayurvedic preparations.
Some herbal or traditional medicines may:
Affect kidney function
Affect liver function
Contain heavy metals or substances that contribute to fluid retention
Recommended tests
I would suggest the following:
Kidney evaluation
Serum creatinine
Blood urea (BUN)
eGFR
Urine routine examination
Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) or urine protein
Diabetes evaluation
HbA1c
Fasting blood glucose
Liver evaluation
Liver function tests (LFTs)
Serum albumin
Heart evaluation
ECG
Echocardiography (if shortness of breath is significant)
Chest X-ray
General
CBC
Blood pressure monitoring
Important questions
Is the shortness of breath mainly during exertion, lying down, or even at rest?
Does he wake up at night feeling breathless?
Is the swelling worse in the morning?
What are his recent blood pressure and blood sugar readings?
Given the history of diabetes, hypertension, increasing facial swelling, and shortness of breath, I would prioritize evaluating kidney function and heart function, even if previous kidney tests were normal.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
Hello Thank you for sharing these details about your father. Swelling under the eyes (periorbital edema), especially in someone with diabetes, high blood pressure, and a history of liver problems, deserves careful attention—especially since it’s persistent and sometimes accompanied by shortness of breath.
### Possible Causes - Kidney issues: Even if previous tests were normal, diabetes and high BP can affect kidneys over time. Swelling under the eyes is a classic early sign of kidney problems. - Heart issues: Shortness of breath and swelling can sometimes point to heart function problems, especially in people with high BP. - Liver issues: Past liver problems can sometimes recur or worsen, leading to fluid retention. - Other causes: Allergies, thyroid issues, or side effects from medications.
### What to Do Next
Recommended Tests: 1. Kidney function tests: Serum creatinine, blood urea, urine protein (spot urine protein/creatinine ratio or 24-hour urine protein), and urine routine. 2. Liver function tests: To check for any recurrence or worsening of liver issues. 3. Heart evaluation: ECG and echocardiogram (if shortness of breath is significant or worsening). 4. Blood pressure monitoring: Regular checks. 5. Blood sugar control: Fasting and postprandial blood sugar, HbA1c. 6. Thyroid function test: To rule out hypothyroidism.
What to Watch For: - If swelling increases, spreads to legs, or if shortness of breath worsens (especially at rest or lying down), seek medical attention promptly.
Next Steps: - Please consult a physician (preferably a nephrologist or general physician) with these symptoms and test results. - Continue his current medications as prescribed, but inform his doctor about all ayurvedic and herbal supplements.
Thank you
Given the symptoms your father is experiencing, coupled with his medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and liver issues, it would be crucial to consider several possibilities. Swelling under the eyes and shortness of breath could be signs of fluid retention, potentially suggesting issues with the kidneys, heart, or liver. Although his kidney tests were normal in November 2025, it might be prudent to retest, especially considering the symptoms and his diabetes. Diabetes can lead to kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy), and high blood pressure can contribute to this risk. The swelling and short of breath should make evaluating heart function crucial as well, since heart failure can present with these symptoms and may be associated with fluid accumulation. Liver problems can also cause fluid retention, so a liver function test would be beneficial to assess any potential deterioration. For a comprehensive assessment, consider getting a complete metabolic panel, including renal function tests (like serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) along with liver function tests. An echocardiogram might be valuable to look at heart function if not recently done. A complete blood count can help rule out anemia or other blood disorders that might explain the shortness of breath. Consulting your father’s healthcare provider for a thorough clinical examination and targeted investigations would be advisable. It’s also wise to review his current medication regimen for any side effects or interactions, especially considering the mix of allopathic and Ayurvedic remedies he’s taking. Ensure no medication is contributing to these symptoms. Addressing such symptoms promptly with professional guidance will be central to preventing complications.
