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Are you also experiencing symptoms of edema and looking for effective edema treatment options? Get in touch with experts at Pristyn Care for individualised diagnosis and treatment procedures.
Are you also experiencing symptoms of edema and looking for effective edema treatment ... Read More
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The accumulation or enlargement of interstitial fluid in organs or tissues is referred to as edema. It is a visible swelling caused by the buildup of fluid in bodily tissues. Edema can affect the arms, face, hands, and abdomen, but it is more common in the feet because of the force of gravity.Â
Peripheral edema is the term used to describe edema that affects the hands, feet, ankles, or legs. There are several other forms of edema, commonly identified by the bodily part that is impacted. Mild edema is common and rarely harmful. Pregnancy, varicose veins, and excessive sitting or bed rest (immobility) can all contribute to its development. Edema can also be caused by some medications, allergies, or more serious underlying conditions like kidney, liver, or heart failure. The risk of getting edema is higher in people with diabetes, cirrhosis, kidney disease, and heart failure.Â
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| Symptom/Sign | Description |
| Swelling |
Fluid retention in the tissues causes swelling in edema. Swelling most commonly affects the feet, ankles, and legs, although it can sometimes affect other areas like the face, hands, and belly, too.
|
| Shiny, stretched skin |
Edema can cause the skin above the swollen area to look stretched and shiny. The skin is pulled by too much fluid, which causes it to stretch.
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| Pitting |
The most common cause of pitting edema is either poor circulation or the retention of excess fluid. You can make a dimple in the skin by gently pressing your finger into the swollen spot for at least five seconds, and then taking it off.
|
| Pain in the body parts |
There are two types of aching discomfort: local and widespread. The underlying cause of edema determines this. Pain in edema is caused by excess fluid and disrupted cellular activity.
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| Gaining weight |
Fluid retention may be the cause of unexplained weight gain. Gaining weight can make the face, hands, feet, limbs, or abdomen look swollen.
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| A reduction in urine production |
If edema is caused by kidney disease, urine production may be impacted. The kidneys are essential organs that aid in the cleansing of blood. Urine is produced as a byproduct of this process, which also removes toxins and waste. Edema develops when the kidneys are unable to produce enough urine due to renal diseases.
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| Breathlessness |
The shortness of breath is caused by the lung’s inability to supply the body with adequate oxygen. Dyspnea, another name for shortness of breath, develops gradually.
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| Chest discomfort |
It is another significant sign of pulmonary edema. Severe chest discomfort may be a symptom of pulmonary edema if the underlying cause is a heart condition or chest injury.
|
Consult a doctor if you experience swelling, puffiness, weight gain, stretched skin, a change in urine output, and other prominent symptoms of edema. In order to begin with the proper diagnosis, the doctor may do some physical examination along with understanding your medical history and other related symptoms. Â
During the physical examination, the doctor may ask you a few questions and press the swollen part gently for a few seconds to inspect the skin over the swollen area and determine if it leaves a dimple. Additionally, he may ask you to undergo a few diagnostic tests mentioned below to understand the underlying cause.Â
Commonly known as water pills, diuretics help in the removal of water and excess salt (sodium) from the body. Consequently, it helps in reducing the swelling. Acetazolamide, theophylline, furosemide (Lasix), chlorthalidone (Hygroton), hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix), and amiloride (Midamor) are a few of the effective diuretics.Â
Corticosteroids are known to address and treat edema in patients struggling with advanced cancer conditions. These also help in releasing the constriction of the venous and lymphatic systems, and minimize peritumoral edema, consequently reducing the swelling. Dexamethasone, Betamethasone, and Methylprednisolone are a few of the commonly used corticosteroids.Â
These are used to treat chronic edema cases caused by lymphatic and venous illness.Â
These help in reducing the swelling and pain.
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| Type of Edema | Description |
| Cerebral edema |
Extra fluid buildup in the brain is referred to as cerebral edema.
|
| Angioedema |
This type of edema affects the deeper layers of the skin and usually affects the lips, face, and tongue.
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| Hereditary angioedema |
Commonly affecting the arms, legs, and face, this type of edema is a rare genetic condition, causing the capillaries to release fluids in the surrounding tissue.
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| Papilledema |
The optic nerve of the eye gets swollen due to the pressure inside the skull and around the brain.
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| Macular edema |
The portion of the eye that perceives central and detailed vision is swollen due to macular edema.
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| Dependent edema |
Depending on the person’s position, it affects the legs and lower body, whichever is affected by gravity. For example, when a person is standing, it affects the legs, but when the person is lying down, it affects the buttocks and hands.
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| Scrotal lymphedema |
Fluid accumulation around the testes causes the enlargement of the scrotum.
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| Lipedema |
Legs and hips are swollen due to a disorder in the fatty (adipose) tissue, leading to lipedema.
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| Peripheral edema |
It affects legs, feet, and ankles.
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| Pedal edema |
It causes swelling in the foot.
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| Pulmonary edema |
It may cause fluid buildup in the air sacs of the lungs, sometimes even leading to respiratory failure.
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| Ascites |
Fluid buildup in the spaces within the abdomen is caused by ascites.
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| Pleural effusion |
Commonly caused by heart failure, it is an abnormal fluid buildup in the chest (lung or pleural cavity).
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| Anasarca |
The entire body is swollen due to anasarca.
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You should immediately consult a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms.
Regular exercising, like putting your legs above the pillow in order to raise them above the heart, consuming a low salt diet, using compression stockings, etc, would help in treating the edema in the legs.
From temporary factors, like prolonged standing, to severe conditions, including heart diseases and liver diseases, all may contribute to leg edema.
No, edema is not hereditary. You do not inherit edema from your parents or previous generations. IT is not communicable, either.
Epsom salt contains magnesium and is an effective remedy to eliminate toxins that trigger inflammation in your body, and helps in relaxation.
If you are experiencing severe swelling and symptoms such as pain and redness that do not improve over time, you must consult a vascular surgeon.
