
What is Edema?
If you’ve ever been stung by a bee or bitten by a mosquito, you have had edema. Edema is simply the medical term for the swelling of tissues as the body responds to injury or discomfort. In some cases, edema can result from something as small and simple, such as a twisted ankle or bug bite; in others, it can be a result of a serious condition which requires immediate medical attention. In this post, we discuss the causes, symptoms, and risk factors for edema, as well as treatment options which can prevent it from returning.
Causes
Edema is caused when tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, leak fluids into the surrounding tissues. The most common areas to be affected by edema are the hands, arms, feet, legs, and ankles. In some ways, edema can be beneficial, because the fluid released by the blood vessels allows more infection-fighting white blood cells to enter the affected area. However, edema can also affect more serious areas, like the throat or lungs, in which case it must be treated immediately. Some common causes of mild edema are:- Sitting in one position for too long (such as on long flights)
- Eating too much sodium
- Premenstrual symptoms
- Pregnancy
- Allergic reactions
- Headaches
- Certain medications, such as NSAIDs
- Blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis)
- Tumors which block lymph or blood flow
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cirrhosis (due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen)
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Life-threatening infections
- Heart disease or congestive heart failure
- Kidney disease or kidney damage
- Head trauma or brain tumors (for cerebral edema)
- Other critical conditions, such as burns
- A damaged lymphatic system
Symptoms
Most of the time, edema has only a few mild symptoms and requires limited treatment. However, when symptoms are severe, it is crucial to visit a doctor immediately. Symptoms of mild edema include:- Swollen, puffy skin
- Tight, shiny skin which may become itchy
- Pain and difficulty moving or walking
- Skin that retains a dimple after being pressed
- Heavy legs which can weigh 5-10 additional pounds
- Skin ulcers due to restricted blood flow
- Shortness of breath
- A heavy, thick cough
- Chest pain