Edema
What is Edema?
Edema is a localized or general
swelling caused by the buildup of fluid within
body tissues. Excess fluid may be a result of
poor circulation of the blood; a failure of the
lymphatic system to disperse the fluid; various
diseases and disorders; or a combination of
factors.
Other causes of edema include
fluid retention caused by disease of the heart
or kidneys or a reduction in the amount of
protein in the blood, which may occur as a
result of cirrhosis, chronic nephritis,
malnutrition, or toxemia of pregnancy. Localized
edema may result from injury or infection.
At-Risk Groups
People with a history of heart
disease or kidney disease can be at risk for
edema. Liver disease (cirrhosis), malnutrition,
and toxemia of pregnancy can cause edema.
Localized edema may result from obstruction of
the venous drainage, injury, or infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of edema as it relates
to chronic kidney failure can include swelling
and puffiness, especially in the hands, ankles,
face, and eyelids. In addition to swelling, the
patient may have:
Signs and Tests
You should provide the doctor
with a description of your symptoms and with
your medical history. The doctor will want to
check the amount of protein in your blood and
urine if he or she suspects the edema was caused
by kidney failure.
Treatment
Treatment will focus on
correcting the underlying cause of the edema. If
the underlying cause of the edema is kidney
failure, treatment may include medication such
as diuretics (water pills) or dialysis. Your
diet may also be changed to include restrictions
on salt and water intake. Excess fluid causes
weight gain. Weighing yourself daily can help
monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
Diuretic drugs, which make the
kidneys eliminate excess salt and water, often
produce an immediate improvement. Edema caused
by varicose veins or pregnancy can be prevented
by wearing elastic stockings. Edema of the
ankles may be eliminated by lying down with the
feet raised.
Expectations
The prognosis for success with
edema depends on discovering the underlying
cause and treating it. Some causes are fairly
simple and can be cured. Others, like chronic
kidney failure, are more complex and need
ongoing treatment.
Tips
-
Be sure your doctor has your
complete medical history. Stay in contact
with him or her if you have been diagnosed
for a disease that causes edema.
-
Call your doctor if new
symptoms develop or if your edema does not
show signs of improvement.
