oedema
an accumulation of fluid in the body, possibly beneath the skin or in cavities or organs. With an injury the swelling may be localized, or it can be more general, as in cases of KIDNEY or HEART failure. Fluid can collect in the chest cavity, abdomen or lung ( PULMONARY OEDEMA ). The causes are numerous, e.g. CIRRHOSIS of the liver, heart or kidney failure, starvation, acute NEPHRITIS , allergies or drugs. To alleviate the symptom, the root cause has to be removed. Subcutaneous oedema commonly occurs in women before MENSTRUATION , as swollen legs or ankles, but subsides if the legs are rested in a raised position.
Edema means swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues. It usually occurs in the feet, ankles and legs, but it can involve your entire body.
Causes of edema include:
- Eating too much salt
- Sunburn
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver problems from cirrhosis
- Pregnancy
- Problems with lymph nodes, especially after mastectomy
- Some medicines
- Standing or walking a lot when the weather is warm
To keep swelling down, your health care provider may recommend keeping your legs raised when sitting, wearing support stockings, limiting how much salt you eat, or taking a medicine called a diuretic - also called a water pill.
oedema