Edema
Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues. It commonly affects the legs, ankles, feet, and hands, but can occur anywhere in the body. It may result from heart failure, kidney disease, liver problems, or prolonged standing.
🚨 Seek Urgent Medical Care
Get immediate help if swelling occurs with:
- Sudden shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or tightness.
- Rapid weight gain over a few days.
- Swelling in face or around eyes.
- Reduced urine output.
📞 Consult a Doctor
Seek medical advice if:
- Swelling persists for more than a few days.
- Swelling gradually worsens.
- It is associated with pain or redness.
- You have chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Type of Swelling | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Swollen ankles and feet | Heart failure |
| Generalized swelling | Kidney disease |
| Abdominal swelling | Liver disease (ascites) |
| One-sided leg swelling | Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) |
| Puffy face or eyes | Allergic reaction or kidney dysfunction |
Causes by Category
Heart failure: Poor circulation leads to fluid buildup.
Kidney disease: Reduced fluid excretion causes swelling.
Liver disease: Low protein levels and fluid leakage.
Injury: Trauma causes localized swelling.
Infection: Cellulitis leads to redness and edema.
Venous insufficiency: Poor blood return in legs.
Pregnancy: Hormonal and pressure changes.
Medications: Some drugs can cause fluid retention.
Prolonged standing: Gravity-related fluid accumulation.
Diagnostic Procedures
Physical Examination
Assesses location and severity of swelling.
Blood Tests
Checks kidney, liver, and heart function.
Urine Tests
Detects protein loss or kidney issues.
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound or scans to evaluate internal organs.
