Edema
What is Edema ?
Edema is a health condition known as swelling. The problem of swelling can also be due to some kind of injury or some kind of physical reaction, such as some kind of fluid build-up inside the body (inflammation). Inflammation can affect a small part of the body or even an entire organ. The reason for this can also be the side effects of certain medicines, pregnancy conditions, any kind of infection and many other health problems. Some types of inflammation can occur internally or externally which can affect the skin and muscles.
Apart from this, any kind of insect bite can also cause swelling or edema. If the cause of swelling is due to fluid build-up in an organ inside the body, a person can gain weight rapidly within a week.
Type of Edema or Swelling
There are several types of swelling or edema, including:
Peripheral Edema
Peripheral edema usually affects the feet and ankles. But, sometimes its problem can also lie in the hands. Its problem can be due to some kind of problem in the circulatory system, lymph nodes or kidneys.
Pedal edema
Pedal edema can occur due to fluid accumulation in the legs and lower extremities. It can be more of a problem during growing age or pregnancy.
Lymphedema
Lymph edema can be caused by damage to your lymph nodes, tissues. Lymph nodes help filter germs and waste from the body. The main reason for this can be surgery or radiation.
Pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema may be caused by fluid accumulation in the air sacs in the lungs. When it occurs, a person may find it difficult to breathe, his/her heartbeat may be faster than normal, may feel suffocated, cough may contain blood and foam. It can also be an emergency condition.
Cerebral edema
Cerebral edema can be a very serious condition in which fluid builds up in the brain. Cerebral edema occurs when a sharp blow to the head has caused rupture or blockage of blood vessels. Apart from this, it can also happen due to tumor.
Macular edema
Macular edema can be caused by fluid accumulation or build-up in any part of the eye. Its position can be in the center of the retina.
Also Read :- Micropigmentation
Symptoms of Edema
What are the symptoms of swelling (edema)
Symptoms of swelling or edema may include:
Swelling in the lower parts of the feet (especially in the summer season, may be more common in people who stand or walk for a long time.)
Release after pressing on any inflamed area with one finger for about 5 seconds. If by doing this a pit-like mark is formed at that place, which gets filled in a short time, then it can be a symptom of edema.
In addition, if your swelling is caused by some form of physical injury, illness, or insect bites that appear outside the body, you may experience symptoms that may include:
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Pain in the affected area
However, if you have a problem with inflammation inside the body, you may notice the following symptoms, which may include:
- Getting nausea
- vomiting
- Dizziness
- having a fever
- feeling tired
- having insomnia
- having flu-like symptoms
- pain inside the body
- breathing problems
What can cause swelling?
The causes of swelling (edema) can be many, some of which may include some common causes and some serious ones can also include:
Having an allergic reaction
Consuming any kind of medicine, such as corticosteroids or foods used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, can cause an allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. Due to this there can also be a problem of inflammation in the body.
Having an autoimmune disease
Having an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma, can also cause inflammation. When our body produces antibodies or other cells that can attack or destroy tissues in the body, it can cause problems.
Circulation Problem
Circulation problems such as heart failure, diabetes problems, kidney problems can also affect the process of blood flow in the body. Due to which there can be a problem of inflammation in the body. Apart from this, the formation of blood clots in any part of the body can also be the cause of inflammation or eczema, which is called thrombophlebitis.
Cyclic edema
Some women may also have swelling during their menstrual cycle when fluids remain in the body, which is called cyclic edema.
Pregnancy
Some women may experience mild swelling in the arms or legs during pregnancy. Which can increase more in the third trimester of pregnancy. In some cases, if it is severe, you should contact your doctor for this, which is called preeclampsia.
Hernia problem
Hernia is a problem of the intestine, in which the intestines start growing. In the case of a hernia, the tissues of the body begin to move out of their normal position, which can cause swelling.
In addition, other problems may be responsible for the swelling or edema, which may include:
- Malnutrition
- cirrhosis
- Abdominal fluid accumulation due to liver disease (glomerulonephritis, glomerulonephritis)
- any type of surgical procedure
- any kind of test, during which dye or other fluids are injected inside the body
- fluctuating hormone levels
- Nephrotic syndrome (Kidney disease)
- thyroid disease
- Very low levels of albumin in the blood (Hypoalbuminemia)
- excess sodium in the body
How can swelling (edema) be prevented?
Medical treatment may not be needed to treat the symptoms of swelling or edema in most cases. These can be treated only by avoiding certain types of foods and controlling the level of hormones in the body.
- If the reason for the swelling in your body is due to the high amount of sodium, then you should minimize the intake of salt in your diet.
- control your weight
- Do not consume alcohol in excess. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of getting cirrhosis, hepatitis, or other liver diseases.
- Take any kind of medicine only after consulting your doctor.
How is swelling (edema) treated?
Swelling (edema) can be treated depending on the person’s symptoms and cause. For which your doctor can use the following methods:
Surgery
If the swelling (edema) is caused by a tumor or abscess, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat it.
Radiation
If it has a size or location where surgery can be risky, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy or other radiation treatments to treat it.
Medication advice
Your doctor may prescribe medications such as antihistamines and steroids to treat other common causes and symptoms of inflammation.
Water pills
Your doctor may also prescribe diuretics, also known as a water pill, to treat congestive heart failure, congestive heart failure, or inflammation caused by liver disease, such as furosemide.