What is Edema?
Edema is a medical condition in which a person experiences swelling in a certain body part because of excess fluid. There are different types of edema. Peripheral edema is one of these. In this type, the feet and legs are the affected areas of the body. This is also the most common type of edema. Idiopathic edema, another type, occurs often in women. It is also called cyclical edema. And pulmonary edema is when edema happens in the lungs.
There are two places where the body’s fluids are stored. These are either in the blood vessels or in the interstitial spaces of the body. Either of these two places can be sites for the accumulation of excess fluid in the body. And because of this accumulation, swelling occurs.
What causes edema?
Primarily, edema is due to the excess fluid that accumulated in the body tissues which results to swelling and other complications, as mentioned before. But there are different factors that cause this excess of fluid. With regards to edema happening in the heart, liver and kidneys, the main cause is the too much intake of salt in the body. In idiopathic edema, the cause is unknown but is linked with the menstrual cycle as it is during this time that edema is usually observed in women. Chronic lung diseases like emphysema, bronchitis and congestive heart failure can also lead to edema. These conditions are brought about because of the increase of pressure in the blood vessels. This high pressure will cause swelling in the legs and feet. Other causes of this type of edema are standing or sitting too long especially in hot weather and pregnancy as the uterus puts pressure in the blood vessel that is responsible for the circulation of blood to and from the heart and legs. Varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, thyroid or liver disease, medications and malnutrition are also some of the believed causes of edema.
How will you know that you have edema?
The symptoms of edema vary depending on its type but usually it can be observed as a stretched and shiny appearance on the skin of the affected area. To check for yourself if you are affected by edema, you can perform a simple test. Put pressure on the part (leg/feet) where there seems to be swelling. If there is an indentation that will be visible, then it is possible that you have edema. This is not a very reliable test though that is why you really need to consult a doctor to be sure. A urine test will be conducted. If the result shows that you are loosing protein from the kidneys then this will indicate a sign of having edema.
How do you treat edema?
Edema treatment involves three Ds. These are Diuretics, Digitalis and Diet. Diuretics is the use of medication to prompt urination to get rid of sodium and water. Digitalis is done to decrease a person’s heart rate and by this, strengthening the heart’s contractions. And of course diet, a good and proper diet that is, is very much needed to treat edema. This includes a low-salt diet, minimizing the drinking of too much fluid and sodium intake and maintaining a proper weight. This would provide proper circulation of the body’s fluids and prevent edema from happening. In the case of peripheral edema, massage can help the release of body fluids. Also, avoiding standing or sitting too long. If this cannot be helped, a form of support should be used like wearing stockings. It will also help to elevate your legs occasionally and exercise your feet while sitting down.
