How can edema occur

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Type 2 Diabetes. What causes edema? How is edema treated? Symptoms of edema. Complications from edema. Risk factors for edema. Can edema be prevented? When is edema an emergency? Guide to Natural Diuretics. Read this next. Edema usually starts slowly, but onset can be sudden. It is a common condition, but it can also be a sign of a serious condition.

This article will explain what edema is and how to recognize it, as well as the different types of and treatments for edema. It will also look at possible complications of the condition.

Edema refers to swelling and puffiness in different areas of the body. It most often occurs in the skin, especially in the hands, arms, ankles, legs, and feet. However, it can also affect the muscles, bowel, lungs, eyes, and brain. Edema mainly occurs in older adults and pregnant people, but anyone can experience it.

Symptoms can also depend on the type of edema a person has and which part of the body it affects. Treatment will also depend on the cause of edema. Diuretics are a type of medication.

They help get rid of excess fluid by increasing the rate of urine production by the kidneys. Different types work in different ways. A doctor will recommend a specific treatment plan for macular edema, pulmonary edema, and other types of edema. A person with edema could also try wearing compression garments and doing specific exercises to help.

A masseuse or physical therapist may help remove the fluid by stroking firmly in the direction of the heart. Oxygen may be useful for treating some types of edema. For example, an individual with cardiogenic pulmonary edema may need additional oxygen if they have difficulty taking in enough.

Oxygen delivered through the nose may improve poor vision associated with diabetic macular edema, according to older research from However, some research suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can increase the risk of pulmonary edema.

Edema can indicate one of many serious health conditions. It is important for a person to check with a doctor if they are concerned about any kind of swelling.

Edema can result from circulatory problems, infection, tissue death, malnutrition , total body fluid overload, and electrolyte problems.

There are many other possible causes of edema, including the following. If one or both of the lower chambers of the heart cannot pump blood properly, blood can accumulate in the limbs, causing edema. The body of a person with a kidney disorder may not be able to eliminate enough fluid and sodium from the blood. This puts pressure on the blood vessels, which causes some of the liquid to leak out.

Swelling can occur around the legs and eyes. Damage to the glomeruli, which are the capillaries in the kidneys that filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, can result in nephrotic syndrome.

It does not run in families. Your doctor can tell whether you have edema by examining you. The skin over the swollen area may be stretched and shiny. Pushing gently on the swollen area for about 15 seconds will leave a dimple. If this happens, your doctor might want to do some tests to see what is causing your edema. Depending on what it causing your edema, you may not be able to prevent it from happening. If your edema is caused by health problems, such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, you will not be able to prevent it, only manage it.

If your edema is caused by eating too much salt, you will be able to prevent it by eating less salt. The only way to treat edema is to treat the condition that is causing it.

Your doctor might want you to take a medicine called a diuretic. This is also called a water pill. These pills help flush salt and extra fluid out of your body through your urine. It is important to see your doctor if you have edema, especially if you are pregnant. If it is not treated, your skin may keep stretching. This can lead to other health problems. If you have edema and you start to have trouble breathing, call your doctor right away. This article was contributed by: familydoctor.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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