What Edema Means?

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. Although edema can affect any part of your body, you may notice it more in your hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.

What gets rid of edema?

Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by raising the affected limb higher than your heart. More-severe edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine (diuretics). One of the most common diuretics is furosemide (Lasix).

Can edema be life threatening?

Ascites and peripheral edema can be uncomfortable and can be a sign of a more serious condition. Pulmonary edema, which makes it difficult to breathe and can be life threatening, is a symptom of heart failure and is discussed in more detail separately.

What is an example of edema?

Edema is swelling that occurs when too much fluid is trapped in the tissues of the body, particularly the skin. There are different causes and types of edema. For example, pulmonary edema affects the lungs, while pedal edema causes swelling in the feet. Edema usually starts slowly, but onset can be sudden.

What are the three types of edema?

Three Common Types of Edema

• Acute Edema – Is the swelling that usually occurs within 24 hours of an injury.
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency – Veins are the blood vessels that return the blood to your heart.
• Lymphedema – Lymphedema is a protein-rich swelling caused by an obstruction of the lymphatic system.

Will drinking more water help with edema?

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day
Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling.

What happens if edema is left untreated?

If left untreated, edema can lead to increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring, and decreased blood circulation.

What doctors treat edema?

Because edema is multifactorial (many possible causes), several doctors will likely be involved in your care. This includes your primary care physician (PCP) or internist, a nephrologist (kidney specialist), cardiologist (heart specialist), or gastroenterologist (digestive tract or liver specialist).

What are the main causes of edema?

Some of the most common causes of edema are:

1. Long periods of standing or sitting. Sitting or standing for too long can cause extra fluid to build up in your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
2. Venous insufficiency.
3. Chronic (long-term) lung diseases.
4. Congestive heart failure.
5. Pregnancy.
6. Low levels of protein.

How do you get rid of swelling fast?

Cold Therapy. Applying cold immediately after an injury helps reduce swelling by restricting blood flow to the area and slowing down cellular metabolism. You can use ice packs, cold therapy systems, ice baths, or cryotherapy chambers to deliver cold to the affected area.

What does severe edema look like?

Signs of edema include: Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms. Stretched or shiny skin. Skin that retains a dimple (pits), after being pressed for several seconds.

How do nurses treat edema?

Home treatment

1. Get plenty of movement to increase circulation in your body.
2. Frequently raise the affected area of your body, so that it is above the level of your heart.
3. Massage the area affected by edema.
4. Use bandages or compression socks to keep pressure on the edema.
5. Consume less salt.

What medications cause swollen feet?

Medications that may cause the feet to swell include:

• hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.
• calcium-channel blockers that help control blood pressure.
• steroids, both androgenic and anabolic, and corticosteroids.
• antidepressants.
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• medication to help manage diabetes.

How do you reduce fluid in your body?

Seven remedies for water retention

1. Follow a low-salt diet.
2. Add in potassium- and magnesium-rich foods.
3. Take a vitamin B-6 supplement.
4. Eat your protein.
5. Keep your feet elevated.
6. Wear compression socks or leggings.
7. Seek your doctor’s help if your problem persists.

How do you check for edema?

To determine the extent of the pitting edema, your doctor will push on your skin, measure the depth of the indention, and record how long it takes for your skin to rebound back to its original position. They will then grade it on a scale from 1-4.

What is the most common type of edema?

Types of Edema

• Pedal edema- affects lower legs, ankles, and feet. Possible causes: pregnancy, being older.
• Peripheral edema/Lymphedema- affects the arms, legs, and feet.
• Pulmonary edema- affects lungs, makes it hard to breathe, especially when lying down.
• Cerebral edema- affects the brain.

Is lemon water good for edema?

The antioxidants in lemons are also powerful anti-inflammatory agents. They can help to reduce swelling (even minor internal swelling), thereby enabling your body to repair any damaged tissue.

What is a home remedy for swollen legs?

Some tips that may help reduce swelling:

1. Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.
2. Exercise your legs.
3. Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
4. Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).

What Week Do your feet swell?

Starting with week 28 of pregnancy, the third trimester is by far the most common time to experience swollen feet. Especially as the weeks go on and you get closer to 40 weeks, your toes are more likely to resemble little sausages than anything else (yes, motherhood is glamorous).

What foods cause edema?

Foods that can cause inflammation

• Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. When there’s too much sugar in our system, our insulin tries to store the excess within fat cells, causing them to get larger.
• Artificial trans fats.
• Vegetable and seed oils.
• Refined carbohydrates.
• Alcohol.
• Red meat and processed meat.

What stage of heart failure is edema?

The symptoms of end-stage congestive heart failure include dyspnea, chronic cough or wheezing, edema, nausea or lack of appetite, a high heart rate, and confusion or impaired thinking. Learn about the hospice eligibility requirements for end-stage heart failure.