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Edema Treatment & Diagnosis | Consult Best Vascular Surgeon

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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What is Edema?

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. However, it is more common in the feet because of the force of gravity.

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. The most common causes include pregnancy, varicose veins, and excessive sitting or bed rest (immobility). The risk of getting edema is higher in people with diabetes, cirrhosis, kidney disease, and heart failure.

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Common Signs and Symptoms of Edema are:-

  1. Swelling
    Fluid retention in the tissues causes swelling in edema. Swelling most commonly affects the feet, ankles, and legs. Sometimes it can also affect the face, hands, and belly.
  2. 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.
  3. Pitting
    The most common cause of pitting edema is either poor circulation or the retention of excess fluid.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. A reduction in urine production
    The kidneys are essential organs that aid in the cleansing of blood. Urine, which removes toxins and waste, is a byproduct of this process. When kidney disease limits urine production, edema can develop.
  7. Breathlessness
    Shortness of breath occurs when the lungs don’t supply enough oxygen to the body. Dyspnea, another name for shortness of breath, develops gradually.
  8. Chest discomfort
    Severe chest discomfort is a significant sign of pulmonary edema.

Types of Edema

Type of Edema Description
Cerebral edema
Extra fluid buildup in the brain is referred to as cerebral edema.
Angioedema
This type of edema affects deeper skin layers. It usually affects the lips, face, and tongue.
Hereditary angioedema
This rare genetic type causes the capillaries to leak fluid into the surrounding tissue. It commonly affects the arms, legs, and face.
Papilledema
The optic nerve of the eye gets swollen due to the pressure inside the skull and around the brain.
Macular edema
Macular edema causes swelling in the part of the eye responsible for central and detailed vision.
Dependent edema
Depending on a person’s position, it affects the legs and lower body, where gravity acts. For example, when standing, it affects the legs; when lying down, it affects the buttocks and hands.
Scrotal lymphedema
Fluid accumulation around the testes causes the enlargement of the scrotum.
Lipedema
It causes swelling in the legs and hips due to a disorder in fatty (adipose) tissue.
Peripheral Edema
It affects legs, feet, and ankles.
Pedal edema
It causes swelling in the foot.
Pulmonary edema
It can cause fluid buildup in the lung air sacs, sometimes leading to respiratory failure.
Ascites
Fluid buildup in the spaces within the abdomen is caused by ascites.
Pleural effusion
Commonly caused by heart failure, it is an abnormal fluid buildup in the chest (lungs or pleural cavity).
Anasarca
The entire body is swollen due to anasarca.

Causes of Edema

  • Emohysema
  • Head Trauma
  • Allergic reactions
  • Protein deficiency
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Inadequate lymphatic system

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Diagnosis for Edema

Consult a doctor if you have puffiness, weight gain, stretched skin, or changes in urine output. The doctor may perform a physical exam and discuss your medical history.

During the physical exam, the doctor may ask questions and gently press the swollen area to check for dimpling. They might also recommend diagnostic tests, such as:

Chest X-ray: Helps diagnose pulmonary edema and rule out other causes of shortness of breath.

Urine microscopy:- To ascertain the presence of protein in the urine, a urine sample is taken. In kidney failure, excess protein and albumin leak into the urine, causing proteinuria. When the kidneys can’t filter protein properly, fluid builds up in the body, leading to edema.

Ultrasound:- Ultrasound is done to understand the intensity and spread of edema in your body.

Echocardiography: Used to identify heart-related causes of edema.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Detects bone marrow damage that may cause edema.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): Helps diagnose the cause of edema, often alongside kidney function, lipid profile, and liver function tests.

Edema Treatment Options

Lifestyle Changes

Exercising regularly(walking, swimming) helps to boost circulation
Reduce salt consumption, as it increases water retention
Raise your legs for 15-20 minutes daily
Use compression stockings

Medications

Diuretics
Commonly called water pills, diuretics remove excess water and salt (sodium) from the body, helping reduce swelling. Effective diuretics include acetazolamide, theophylline, furosemide (Lasix), chlorthalidone (Hygroton), hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix), and amiloride (Midamor).

Corticosteroids
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.

Benzopyrones
These are used to treat chronic edema cases caused by lymphatic and venous illness.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs
These help in reducing the swelling and pain.

Venous Treatments

EVLT or sclerotherapy: It helps in improving the circulation
Surgery: Addresses lymphatic issues or severe vein issues
Arterial Treatment: Restores the flow of blood associated with arterial problems

When should I see a doctor?

You should immediately consult a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Pain or discoloration of the skin around the swollen area
  • Open sore on a swollen area
  • Breath shortness
  • Swelling in one limb
  • Difficulty in walking or moving

On your visit, what questions should you ask the doctor ?

What are the causes behind my edema?
Should I reduce salt consumption?
What should I stop eating immediately to treat edema?
Can it cause any additional health issues?
How often should I wear compression stockings to reduce ankle swelling?

FAQ

How can I get rid of edema in legs?

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.

What are the common leg edema causes?

From temporary factors, like prolonged standing, to severe conditions, including heart diseases and liver diseases, all may contribute to leg edema.

 

Is edema hereditary?

No, edema is not hereditary. You do not inherit edema from your parents or previous generations. IT is not communicable, either.

 

Does Epsom salt help to get rid of edema?

Epsom salt contains magnesium and is an effective remedy to eliminate toxins that trigger inflammation in your body, and helps in relaxation.

When to see a vascular surgeon for edema?

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.