Questions

What are the main causes of edema?

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What are the main causes of edema?

Some of the most common causes of edema are:

  1. 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.
  2. Venous insufficiency.
  3. Chronic (long-term) lung diseases.
  4. Congestive heart failure.
  5. Pregnancy.
  6. Low levels of protein.

How do you get rid of edema?

Treatment of edema includes several components: treatment of the underlying cause (if possible), reducing the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet, and, in many cases, use of a medication called a diuretic to eliminate excess fluid. Using compression stockings and elevating the legs may also be recommended.

How serious is oedema?

Mild oedema is often harmless and usually gets better on its own, but oedema can be dangerous if it isn’t treated. Some types, like pulmonary and cerebral oedema, are life-threatening and should be treated immediately.

What does edema mean in medical terms?

Listen to pronunciation. (eh-DEE-muh) Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.

What are signs of edema?

Signs of edema include:

  • Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms.
  • Stretched or shiny skin.
  • Skin that retains a dimple (pits), after being pressed for several seconds.
  • Increased abdominal size.

What medication is good for edema?

Common drug classes used to treat edema include corticosteroids, loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, potassium-sparing/thiazide diuretic combinations, thiazide-like diuretics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and potassium-sparing diuretics.

Will drinking more water help with edema?

1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have.

What are the signs of oedema?

Symptoms of oedema include:

  • Swollen or puffy ankles, feet or legs. Credit:
  • Shiny or stretched skin. Credit:
  • Changes in skin colour, discomfort, stiffness and dents when you press on the skin.

Is oedema a kidney disease?

When you have kidney disease, extra fluid and sodium in your circulation may cause edema. The edema associated with kidney disease usually occurs in your legs and around your eyes. Kidney damage. Damage to the tiny, filtering blood vessels in your kidneys can result in nephrotic syndrome.

What medications cause edema?

Many medicines can cause edema, including:

  • NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen)
  • Calcium channel blockers.
  • Corticosteroids (like prednisone and methylprednisolone)
  • Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.
  • Pramipexole.

How can I treat edema at home?

Here are 10 to try.

  1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
  2. Buy compression socks.
  3. Soak in a cool Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Elevate your feet, preferably above your heart.
  5. Get moving!
  6. Magnesium supplements can be helpful for some people.
  7. Make some dietary changes.
  8. Lose weight if you’re overweight.