Download Introduction Swelling caused by extra fluid in the body`s tissues is

Edema
Introduction
Swelling caused by extra fluid in the body’s tissues is known as edema. It usually
happens in the feet, ankles and legs, but it
can involve your entire body. There are
many causes of edema, including certain
health conditions and medications. Edema
most commonly affects older adults and
pregnant women. But it can happen to
anyone.
This reference summary discusses the
signs, symptoms and causes of edema. It
also explains how edema is diagnosed and
treated.
Edema
Edema is a buildup of fluid in the tissues of the body. Many diseases can cause
edema. Edema can happen if blood flow to the heart is restricted. If this happens,
blood and fluid can back up and leak into the surrounding tissues.
Inflammation or injury can cause edema. Inflammation or injury can harm the small
blood vessels of the body called capillaries. Damaged vessels allow blood to leak out.
When capillaries leak, they release fluid into the surrounding tissues. These tissues
swell, causing edema. The extra fluid sends more white blood cells into the injured or
inflamed area. White blood cells fight infections or disease.
Certain medical conditions and medications can also cause edema. It is also common
in pregnant women.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 06/01/2017
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Signs and Symptoms
Edema can happen anywhere in the body. But it is most common in the feet, ankles
and legs. Edema can be mild or severe.
Signs of edema include:
• Swelling.
• Skin that holds a dimple or pit after being
pressed.
• Skin that is shiny or stretched tight.
• Enlarged abdomen.
• Sudden weight gain.
Severe leg edema can cause the legs to feel heavy. Walking may become hard.
Severe leg edema can interfere with blood flow and cause cell death. Ulcers may form
on the skin of the leg as a result.
An ulcer forms when surface cells
become inflamed, die and are shed.
When the skin breaks down, an ulcer
develops. Ulcers can become life
threatening if left untreated.
Ulcer
If fluid builds up in the air sacs of the
lungs, it can cause pulmonary edema.
Symptoms of pulmonary edema include:
• A cough that brings up blood.
• Gurgling or wheezing sounds while breathing.
• Low blood oxygen levels.
• Shortness of breath.
You should make an appointment with your health care provider if you notice any signs
of edema. Seek medical attention right away if you develop symptoms of pulmonary
edema suddenly.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 06/01/2017
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Causes
Standing or sitting in one position for too long can cause mild edema. Getting up and
moving around every so often can prevent this from
happening.
Other causes of mild edema include:
• A diet with too much salt.
• Allergic reactions.
• Pregnancy, which causes extra sodium and
fluid to build up in the body.
• Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.
• Sunburn.
Certain medications may also cause mild edema in
some people.
Medications that can cause edema include:
• Calcium channel blockers.
• Corticosteroids.
• Diabetes medications called
thiazolidinediones.
Other medications that may cause mild edema include:
• Estrogens.
• Medications that open blood vessels, such as those used to treat high blood
pressure.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.
Edema may also be a sign of a more serious medical condition. For example,
congestive heart failure can cause edema. Congestive heart failure happens when
your heart becomes less effective at pumping blood. This allows blood to back up in
your legs, ankles, feet and lungs. This causes edema.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 06/01/2017
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Edema caused by a more serious medical condition may happen along with other
symptoms. Signs of heart failure include the following:
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Seek emergency medical attention right
away if you have signs of heart failure.
Cirrhosis is another medical condition that can
cause edema. Cirrhosis is a progressive liver
disease in which liver cells are replaced by scar
tissue. Drinking too much alcohol can cause
liver cirrhosis.
Other common medical conditions that can also
cause edema are kidney damage or kidney disease. The kidneys are responsible for
removing extra sodium and fluid from the body. If they are damaged, extra fluid can
build up in the body’s tissues.
Pulmonary edema may also be caused by:
• Lung damage, such as from a severe infection.
• Major injury to the body.
• Problems with the heart, such as leaking or narrowed valves.
Weak or damaged veins in the leg can cause edema in the legs, ankles or feet. Valves
in the veins of the leg help keep blood moving toward your heart. If they are damaged,
blood can pool in the legs, ankles or feet and cause edema.
Problems with the lymphatic system can also cause edema. The lymphatic system
helps clear extra fluid from the body. If the lymphatic system is weak and cannot
remove extra fluid, edema may happen.
A blood clot or tumor that prevents blood flow can also cause edema.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 06/01/2017
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Diagnosis
You should talk to your health care provider if you have signs of edema. Sometimes
edema is a sign of a serious medical condition.
To confirm edema, your health care provider will
ask you questions about your symptoms and
medical history. He or she will also perform a
physical exam. Often a health care provider can
diagnose edema with just this information. But
your health care provider sometimes needs to
run more tests to make a diagnosis.
Radiological exams such as x-rays, CAT scans
and ultrasounds may be needed to find an
underlying cause of edema. Blood and urine
tests may also be done.
More testing may be done if your health care provider thinks a medical condition is
causing the edema.
Treatment
Treatment for edema depends on the cause. If the edema is mild, it may go away on
its own.
You can help mild leg, ankle or foot
edema go away by elevating your legs
higher than your heart while you sit. You
should also avoid sitting or standing in one
position for too long.
Support stockings, sometimes called
compression stockings, can also help treat
some types of edema. Support stockings
keep fluid from collecting in your legs,
ankles and feet by putting pressure on
them.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 06/01/2017
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Limiting your salt intake can reduce the amount of extra fluid in your body and help
prevent edema from happening again. Ask your health care provider about the amount
of salt you should include in your diet.
A medicine called a diuretic may also be prescribed to treat more severe edema. A
diuretic is also called a water pill. It increases the production of urine to get rid of extra
fluid in the body.
If a blood clot or tumor prevents proper blood flow in the legs, it must be treated to
prevent edema. Health care providers often prescribe blood thinners to dissolve a
blood clot. Surgery may be needed to remove a tumor.
Severe edema is usually the result of an underlying medical condition such as heart
failure or kidney failure. Treating the underlying medical condition can help prevent
future edema.
Summary
Inflammation or injury can cause edema by harming the small blood vessels of the
body called capillaries. Damaged vessels allow blood to leak out. When capillaries
leak, they release fluid into the surrounding tissues. These tissues swell, causing
edema.
Signs of edema include:
• Swelling.
• Skin that holds a dimple or pit after being
pressed.
• Skin that is shiny or stretched tight.
• Enlarged abdomen.
• Sudden weight gain.
Severe leg edema can cause the legs to feel
heavy. Walking may become hard.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 06/01/2017
idfn0102
6
If fluid builds up in the air sacs of the lungs, it can cause pulmonary edema. Symptoms
of pulmonary edema include:
• A cough that brings up blood.
• Gurgling or wheezing sounds while breathing.
• Low blood oxygen levels.
• Shortness of breath.
Standing or sitting in one position for too long can cause mild edema. Other causes of
mild edema include:
• A diet with too much salt.
• Allergic reactions.
• Pregnancy.
• Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.
• Sunburn.
Certain medical conditions and medications can cause edema, including:
• Cirrhosis.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Kidney damage.
• Problems with the lymphatic system.
• Weak or damaged veins in the leg.
Pulmonary edema may also be caused by:
• Lung damage, such as from a severe infection.
• Major injury to the body.
Problems with the heart, such as leaking or narrowed
valves.
Treatment for edema depends on the cause. If the edema is
mild, it may go away on its own. You can help mild leg, ankle
or foot edema go away by elevating your legs higher than your heart while you sit. You
should also avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long.
You can also reduce edema by:
• Limiting your salt intake.
• Treating any medical conditions that cause edema.
• Using a diuretic.
• Wearing support stockings.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 06/01/2017
idfn0102
7