Edema, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
2:00 Causes of Edema
3:08 Symptoms of Edema
3:54 Diagnosis of Edema
4:17 Treatment of Edema


Edema, also spelt oedema, and also known as fluid retention, dropsy, hydropsy and swelling, is the build-up of fluid in the body's tissue.[1] Most commonly, the legs or arms are affected.[1] Symptoms may include skin which feels tight, the area may feel heavy, and affected joints may be hard to move.[1] Other symptoms depend on the underlying cause.[2]

Causes may include venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney problems, low protein levels, liver problems, deep vein thrombosis, infections, angioedema, certain medications, and lymphedema.[1][2] It may also occur after prolonged sitting or standing and during menstruation or pregnancy.[1] The condition is more concerning if it starts suddenly, or pain or shortness of breath is present.[2]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.[2] If the underlying mechanism involves sodium retention, decreased salt intake and a diuretic may be used.[2] Elevating the legs and support stockings may be useful for edema of the legs.[3] Older people are more commonly affected.[3] The word is from the Greek οἴδημα oídēma meaning 'swelling'.[4]