Why is edema a problem

The treatment a person receives will depend on the cause. Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid collects in air sacs of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

It can develop suddenly or gradually, and it is…. Edema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid. When swollen skin remains indented after being pressed, this is called pitting edema. It is most…. A look at anasarca, a condition that causes a general swelling of the body. Included is detail on how it is diagnosed and the outlook for the…. Hypervolemia is a condition in which there is too much fluid in the blood.

It is also known as fluid overload. Learn more about the causes. Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in a deep vein that can be fatal. Read about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here. Everything you need to know about edema. What is edema? Share on Pinterest Getty Images. Share on Pinterest Edema, or water retention, causes swelling in the affected part of the body.

Share on Pinterest Wearing compression stockings can help reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with edema. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What is pulmonary edema? How is edema treated? Symptoms of edema. Complications from edema. Risk factors for edema. Can edema be prevented? When is edema an emergency? Guide to Natural Diuretics.

Read this next. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. What Are the Differences Between Left- vs. Right-Sided Heart Failure? Medically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M. Persistent leg pain and swelling can indicate a blood clot deep in your vein deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in your body capillaries leak fluid. The fluid builds up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.

In some cases, however, edema may be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. Several diseases and conditions may cause edema, including:.

If you are pregnant, your body retains more sodium and water than usual due to the fluid needed by the fetus and placenta. This can increase your risk of developing edema.

A chronic illness — such as congestive heart failure or liver or kidney disease — can increase your risk of edema. Also, surgery can sometimes obstruct a lymph node, leading to swelling in an arm or leg, usually on just one side.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. These garments keep pressure on the arms and legs to prevent fluid from collecting. American Heart Association. This leading heart association offers a wide array of resources on heart disease, including heart failure, which can result in swelling edema. The website lists practical tips for dealing with edema and available treatments.

This website was started as a forum for heart failure experts to discuss all things related to heart failure, heart function, and congestive heart disease. The patient section of the site has information on apps to manage heart failure and a toolkit with information on living well with the condition. Developed by two heart failure specialists, the website outlines the basics of heart failure.

Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic, a world class heart treatment center, has created a list of many diuretics — a type of medication that can help treat edema. Your doctor is likely to choose drugs included on this list, which makes it a good resource for you to learn about taking the drugs properly and immediately reporting any concerns. MedlinePlus is a health resource from the National Library of Medicine with all materials reviewed by medical staff.

This handout on fluids and diuretics offers tips on how to limit weight gain and excess fluids with tips on trying a hard candy instead of a drink when you are thirsty or rinsing your mouth out with cold water and then spitting out the water.

This free app, produced in partnership with the Heart Failure Society of America, lets you track many important things related to edema, such as weight and symptoms like a feeling of fullness or swelling. If your weight shows a steep gain over a day or two, you get a prompt to call the doctor.

Patient reviews say the medication tracker is limited to a set list, so before signing up, check to see if your drugs are listed. HF Path. This free app from the American Heart Association lets you track vital information, such as medication schedule, symptoms, and weight. The app sends an alert if your log indicates edema serious enough to call the doctor.

The app also has online courses on heart failure problems such as edema as well as the option for group chats with others who have heart failure.