Table of Contents
Where is edema located?
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 organs cause edema?
Edema is caused by either systemic diseases, that is, diseases that affect the various organ systems of the body, or by local conditions involving just the affected extremities. The most common systemic diseases associated with edema involve the heart, liver, and kidneys.
What part of the body causes fluid retention?
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.
What are the four general causes of edema?
Some of the most common causes of edema are:
- 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.
- Venous insufficiency.
- Chronic (long-term) lung diseases.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Pregnancy.
- Low levels of protein.
What is edema in the leg?
Fluid buildup (edema): It happens when the tissues or blood vessels in your legs hold more fluid than they should. This can happen if you simply spend a long day on your feet or sit for too long. But it may also be a sign that you’re overweight or don’t get enough exercise, or of more serious medical conditions.
Is swelling and edema the same thing?
“Edema” is the medical term for swelling. Body parts swell from injury or inflammation. It can affect a small area or the entire body.
What are the two types 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.
Why does edema occur?
Edema can occur as a result of gravity, especially from sitting or standing in one place for too long. Water naturally gets pulled down into your legs and feet. Edema can happen from a weakening in the valves of the veins in the legs (a condition called venous insufficiency).
Does inflammation cause edema?
The swelling process, also known as edema, is the result of acute inflammation, a response triggered by damage to living tissues. In the case of injury, the purpose of the inflammatory response is to remove components of damaged tissue in order to allow the body to begin to heal.
What is the most common cause of edema?
Medications, pregnancy, infections, and many other medical problems can cause edema. Edema happens when your small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues. That extra fluid builds up, which makes the tissue swell. It can happen almost anywhere in the body.
Can edema go away by itself?
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).
What are the best exercises for edema?
Exercises for Edema. Try water workouts such as swimming, water walking, or water aerobics to reduce symptoms of edema. The force exerted by muscles against the pressure of water helps in moving the fluid buildup from tissues.
What home remedies can help reduce swelling in my legs?
Salt Water Dip. This is the simplest choice among home remedies for leg pain.
What can cause edema?
Medications, pregnancy, infections, and many other medical problems can cause edema. Edema happens when your small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues. That extra fluid builds up, which makes the tissue swell. It can happen almost anywhere in the body.
What causes swelling over the body?
Inflammation in your bones, tissues, or muscles can result in external swelling. Cysts and tumors may also cause visible swelling. Although fluid retention is an internal condition, it may also cause external swelling. The most common causes for external swelling include: External swelling can be localized or widespread.