Have you ever noticed unexplained swelling in your legs, feet, or hands?
It might be peripheral edema—a condition caused by fluid buildup in the tissues.
What triggers this?
Is it harmless? or does it point to an underlying issue?
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL EDEMA?
Peripheral edema is the swelling up of the body’s tissue due to an accumulation of fluid.
It’s mostly seen in the lower extremities, like the legs, feet or arms.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
Peripheral edema has many causes;
– It can be a mild and harmless fluid retention, that goes away by itself.
– It can be due to an underlying disease
– It could be a medication side effect.
– It can also be a condition with the ability to get chronic.
EDEMA DUE TO WATER RETENTION
This type of edema comes from;
– Standing or sitting for too long
– Hormonal changes in menstruation, and or pregnancy
– Excessive sodium intake
EDEMA AS A SIGN OF AN UNDERLYING CONDITION.
Conditions that can cause edema include:
– Venous insufficiency: This is when the veins are not able to transport blood back to the heart.
As a result, it builds up in the leg and fluid is forced out into the tissues.
– Heart failure: This is when the heart is too weak to pump blood round the body.
As a result, blood gathers and seeps into the surrounding tissue.
This causes swelling in the legs or abdomen.
– Kidney disease: When the kidney is damaged, it doesn’t remove as much water ..
READ ALSO :#HealthZone : Everything You Need To Know About Low Sperm Count
..and sodium from the body.
This can lead to edema in the legs and around the eyes.
– Liver disease: Liver cirrhosis can cause edema in the abdomen (ascites), and also cause fluid to leak into surrounding tissues.
EDEMA DUE TO MEDICATIONS
Edema can be a side effect of medications like;
– NSAIDs
– Antihypertensives like calcium channel blockers
– Corticosteroids
– Antidepressants
– Antipsychotics.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
– Swelling in the affected area
– A heavy or tight feeling in the limbs
– Dents when the edema is pressed
– Skin may feel tight or shiny
HOW IS IT TREATED?
– Edema due to water retention usually go away on it’s own.
You can incorporate life changes like reducing salt intake, staying active and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
– Edema due to an underlying condition is treated by addressing..
..the condition.
Managing the heart, kidney or liver problems can help reduce fluid retention.
– Medications like diuretics can be used to remove excess fluid from the body.
– Compression stockings are used to improve blood flow to the legs and reduce swelling.
– Finally, elevating the legs can reduce build up of fluid.
How is it diagnosed?
The particular cause of edema is diagnosed through physical exams, blood tests and imaging tests to assess the state of the internal organs.
CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
Edema can be prevented by;
– Reducing sodium intake and maintaining a healthy diet
– Exercising regularly; avoid sitting or standing for long
– Elevating your legs several times a day
– Maintaining a healthy weight
– Wearing compression stockings
– Addressing underlying conditions.
Don’t be scared when your legs are swollen, chances are you just need to walk it off.
However, if it becomes constant, please see a doctor.
Was this helpful? Follow @zizelle_ for more.