Definition:
Simply known as swelling, edema is the enlargement or organs, skin, or other body parts. The most common parts where swelling is observed are the hands, feet, ankles, and legs.
Diagnosis:
Among the diagnostic tests involved in edema aside from checking a patient's medical history are albumin levels, ECG, echocardiography, serum electrolyte tests, urinalysis, x-rays, liver functions tests, and kidney function tests.
Treatment:
Edema can be treated at home. Options include pressure-reducing mattress, using a lamb's wool pad, or a flotation ring. Also suggested are maintaining everyday activities such as keeping limbs above the heart level when lying down. It is also sometimes recommended to reduce salt in the diet.
Skin breakdown in chronic edema cases need to be further discussed with the physician.
Symptoms and Signs:
Swelling or puffiness of the tissue sunder the skin, stretched or shiny skin, skin that retains a dimple after being pressed for several seconds, and increased abdominal size are among the symptoms of edema.
Causes:
When tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the body leak fluid, it results to edema. The leakage may be cause by a damage or increased pressure in the capillaries.
Mild cases of edema can e simply caused by sitting too long or eating too much salty food. The condition is also a common sign of premenstrual syndrome. Pregnant women also often retain excess fluid that cause swelling on their hands, feet, and face.
In some cases though, edema can be cause by underlying medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, kidney disease or damage, weakness or damage to veins in the legs, and inadequate lymphatic system.
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