What causes edema?
Edema occurs as a result of fluid buildup in the tissues due to a number of different causes. Leakage of fluids into body spaces may occur because of increased pressure within the circulatory system, blockages in blood flow, decrease in albumin (protein) levels in the blood, or damage to tissues.
Edema may occur during pregnancy. It may also be caused by heart disease (congestive heart failure), kidney disease, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and tissue damage such as burns. Excess sodium intake can also increase the amounts of fluid retained by the kidneys and increase fluid pressure, causing the leakage of fluid into the tissue spaces.
Edema in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which can be caused by heart failure, is a particularly serious form of edema.
Common causes of edema
Common causes of edema include:
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Burns
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Certain medications
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Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
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Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
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Damage to lymph nodes due to surgery or radiation therapy, or swelling of lymph nodes due to infection or tumor
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Excessive salt consumption
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High blood pressure
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Kidney disease
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Parasitic infection such as lymphatic filariasis
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Pregnancy
What are the risk factors for edema?
A number of factors increase the risk of developing edema. Not all people with risk factors will get edema. Risk factors for edema include:
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Alcoholism (which can lead to cirrhosis and other liver disease)
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High blood pressure
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Kidney disease
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Past mastectomy or other surgeries that involve removal of surrounding lymph nodes
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Pregnancy
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Sedentary lifestyles (lifestyles that involve little or no physical activity)
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Smoking
Reducing your risk of edema
Some causes of edema can be prevented, especially those that have a lifestyle component, such as lack of exercise, smoking, or salt intake.
You may be able to lower your risk of edema by:
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Avoiding alcohol if you have a history of liver disease
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Getting regular exercise, especially if your job involves sitting or standing for long periods of time
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Limiting salt intake
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Quitting smoking
INTRODUCTION
What is edema?
Edema occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues of your body, resulting in swelling of the feet, fingers, hands, legs and other parts of the body. Fluid builds up as a result of leaking in the capillaries, tiny blood vessels that join the arterial system (carrying oxygenated blood from the heart) to the venous system (that returns deoxygenated blood to the heart and lungs). The capi...
Read more about edema introduction
SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of edema?
Edema causes swelling in the skin of the hands, legs, fingers and ankles. These are the most common sites, although edema can occur in all parts of the body....
Read more about edema symptoms
TREATMENTS
How is edema treated?
Treatment for edema includes medications, such as diuretics, which limit retention of water or increase urine output by the kidneys. Other medications may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of the condition. Other treatments for edema include reduction of salt from your diet, elevating your legs to minimize swelling, and wearing support stockings....
Read more about edema treatments
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