Edema Info

By Author: Sulamita Berrezi
Total Articles: 115
Comment this article

Edema is a general term for excess fluid build-up in a specific area of the body, multiple areas of the body, or throughout the body (generalized edema or anasarca). Edema can be temporary or permanent depending on its cause.
Edema occurs when there is an imbalance, specifically an excess, of body fluid moving between the blood vessels and body tissues. This excess fluid is retained in the tissues and results in swelling. Pulmonary edema is edema in the lungs, ascites is edema in the abdomen, and edema in the lower extremities is called peripheral edema or dependent edema. Temporary edema, e.g., swelling caused by pregnancy and inactivity, is not usually serious. More persistent and serious cases of edema are usually caused by heart failure, kidney failure, or liver disease. The underlying cause of edema is best determined by a physician.
Anyone can have edema but it is more common in individuals who are severely ill.Certain conditions increase the risk of developing edema including abnormal blood flow in the lower extremities (venous insufficiency), immobility, heat, certain medications, salt intake, menstruation, ...
... pregnancy, heart failure, kidney disease, thyroid disease, liver disease, and malnutrition. Venous insufficiency affects the feet or ankles and may occur only on one side of the body. Being immobile causes blood to collect in the veins so fluid has more difficulty moving from the tissues back into the circulatory system and edema results. Heat causes blood vessels to expand which makes it easier for fluid to move into surrounding tissues. Excess intake of salt causes retention of fluid. Certain drugs including steroids (drugs that reduce swelling or inflammation), hormones, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some high blood pressure medicines may contribute to the development of edema. Edema can be a side effect of some medications. Edema may occur as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Swelling of the hands, feet, and face are common in pregnancy due to increased retention of sodium and water and pressure from the uterus on the veins in the lower extremities. In congestive heart failure, because the heart muscle is weakened, its pumping action is decreased; therefore, fluid builds up in the lungs and other parts of the body. If there is right-sided heart failure, there is swelling in the legs and abdomen. In left-sided heart failure, there is pulmonary edema. Decreased excretion of sodium and fluid occurs in kidney disease causing fluid build-up. Thyroid disease, liver disease, and malnutrition affect movement of fluid in and out of tissues resulting in edema.
Symptoms of edema depend on its location and cause. Generally the area affected by edema will be stretched and have a shiny appearance. Edema may be pitting or non-pitting. In pitting edema, pushing on the swollen area with a finger for several seconds will leave an indention on the skin after the pressure is released. The level of indentation determines the degree of pitting edema. Non-pitting edema will not leave an indentation. Clothing and jewelry may feel tight and urine output may be decreased even with normal intake of fluids. In pulmonary edema, symptoms may include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and bluish color to the lips and fingernails. In ascites, the abdomen may be distended. Symptoms of peripheral edema include swelling in the lower legs, which worsens after sitting or standing for long periods of time.Treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying cause of edema. The physician may order fluid pills (diuretics) to remove excess fluid. Pulmonary edema requires immediate medical attention since fluid in the lungs impairs oxygen transport from the lungs to the blood system. Edema associated with heart failure may require heart medication or heart surgery. For edema associated with lung disease, quit smoking.If edema is caused by liver disease, avoid alcohol intake. In some cases, edema may be treated by flushing fluids out of the body, i.e., paracentesis for ascites.