Edema

Edema is a medical term for swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues. It can occur in any part of the body and appear as either a localized or generalized swelling.

Common symptoms of edema include:

• Puffiness of the skin
• Tightness of the skin
• Discomfort

The most common causes of edema are:

• Prolonged standing or sitting
• pregnancy
• allergic reactions
• infections
• hormonal changes
• certain medications
• It can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as:
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart failure
  • Cirrhosis

Treatment for edema depends on the underlying cause and can range from lifestyle changes, such as elevating the affected area and wearing compression garments, to medications and surgical procedures. Lifestyle changes may include losing weight, reducing salt intake, avoiding standing for long periods of time, and wearing support stockings. Medications that may be prescribed include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. Surgical procedures may be needed if the edema is caused by an obstruction or a tumor.