Edema
Alternative Names
EdemaWhat is Edema
Edema (swelling) is a general response of the body to injury or inflammation. Edema can affect a small area (feet, ankles and legs) or the entire body. It can be caused by different medications, infections, pregnancy and many medical problems.
Edema occurs when small blood vessels become "leaky" and release fluid into nearby tissues. The extra fluid accumulates making the tissue to swell.
Signs and symptoms
You may have such signs and symptoms of edema as:
- Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin
- Stretched or shiny skin
- Skin that retains a dimple after being pressed for several seconds
- Increased abdominal size
Possible complications
Edema can cause the following complications:
- Increasingly painful swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Stiffness
- Stretched skin which can become itchy and uncomfortable
- Increased risk of infection in the swollen area
- Scarring between layers of tissue
- Decreased blood circulation
- Decreased elasticity of arteries, veins, joints and muscles
- Increased risk of skin ulcers
What causes
Causes of edema include the followings:
- Eating too much salt
- Sunburn
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver problems from cirrhosis
- Pregnancy
- Problems with lymph nodes, especially after mastectomy
- Some medicines
- Standing or walking a lot when the weather is warm
Prevention
You can prevent edema by preventing its cause. Smoking is the main cause of chronic lung disease. Congestive heart failure most often is caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or drinking too much alcohol. To avoid leg swelling on long trips, stand up and walk around often. Ideally, you should get up once an hour. If it is impossible, then exercise your feet and lower legs while sitting. It will help the veins move blood back toward the heart.
Treatment
Mild edema usually disappears on its own. More severe edema can be treated with medicines helping your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine. These medicines are called diuretics, one of the most common of them is furosemide (Lasix).
