Edema is a condition caused by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body, resulting in swelling and puffiness in the tissues. Generally seen in areas such as legs, ankles, hands, and face, edema can sometimes occur in different parts of the body as well. Factors causing edema include heart failure, kidney diseases, liver problems, hormonal imbalances, and lymphatic system disorders. Edema detected early can be controlled with proper management approaches.
What is Edema?
Edema occurs due to the increased passage of fluid from blood vessels into tissue spaces or insufficient reabsorption of this fluid. Often, increased capillary permeability, elevated vascular pressure, or impaired lymphatic drainage predisposes one to this condition.
Edema can become noticeable in areas like the legs, ankles, hands, face, and abdomen. A feeling of tightness in the skin, swelling, weight gain, and pitting when pressed may also occur. These processes develop based on the individual's current health status, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors.
What Are the Symptoms of Edema in the Body?
Edema in the body generally manifests with symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness, tightness in the skin, swelling, and tension. If edema is seen particularly in the hands, ankles, legs, and face, it is important to consult a doctor. If there are complaints like sudden weight gain, ineffectiveness of diuretic medications, and shortness of breath, medical help should be sought.
Clinically, edema may present with the following findings:
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Noticeable swelling in the lower extremities
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Tightness in the skin
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Formation of a pit when pressed with a finger (pitting edema)
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Morning edema around the eyes
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Tightness of accessories like shoes or rings
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Unexplained increase in daily weight tracking
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Fatigue and general body weakness
Why Does the Body Retain Edema?
The reasons contributing to the formation of edema in the body can be evaluated under two main headings: physiological and pathological. The clinical roadmap to be followed may vary according to the source of the edema.
Physiological Causes
Physiological edema usually develops based on lifestyle and environmental conditions. This type of edema is short-term, and there is no underlying disease. However, medical evaluation may be necessary if it continues for a long time.
Excessive Salt Consumption
Foods high in salt can lead to sodium accumulation in the body, causing an increase in extracellular fluid. Due to sodium's effect, water is retained in the tissues, leading to edema.
Insufficient Water Consumption
If adequate water is not consumed, the body tends to retain water in the tissues to compensate for fluid deficiency. This situation can activate the kidneys' water reabsorption mechanisms, contributing to the formation of edema.
Lack of Movement and Long-Term Posture Problems
Staying in the same posture for a long time reduces venous return in the lower extremities. The slowdown in circulation causes fluid to pass into the tissues due to gravity, leading to edema in the legs.
Hormonal Changes
Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during periods such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect the body's fluid balance. This situation can especially lead to temporary edema development in women.
High Temperature and Humid Weather
In hot weather, blood vessels dilate (vasodilation), which facilitates the passage of fluid from the blood vessels to the surrounding tissues. An increase in edema in the hands and feet is commonly observed in summer.
Pathological Causes
Pathological edema develops due to an underlying organ dysfunction and may be chronic. Determining the cause of such edema is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Failure
Reduced pumping capacity of the heart leads to insufficient blood reaching the tissues and the backflow of venous blood. This situation can especially manifest with symmetrical edema in the legs and ankles.
Kidney Diseases
Impairment of the kidneys’ filtration function affects fluid and electrolyte balance. In conditions such as nephrotic syndrome, the loss of proteins reduces intravascular oncotic pressure, which can trigger edema development. Edema that becomes noticeable in the eyelids and face, especially in the mornings, may be kidney-related.
Liver Failure
The reduced capacity of the liver to synthesize proteins makes it difficult to retain blood within the vessels. Relatedly, fluid accumulation in the abdomen and edema in the ankles are commonly observed.
Hypothyroidism
A decrease in thyroid hormones can result in the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides between the tissues, leading to the formation of what is called non-pitting edema, which is hard and does not create a pit when pressed.
Lymphatic Drainage Disorders (Lymphedema)
Underdeveloped lymph vessels from birth or blockage after surgery, trauma, or infection leads to the formation of chronic and often unilateral edema known as lymphedema.
How to Eliminate Edema in the Body?
To eliminate edema in the body, reducing salt intake, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and resting with elevated legs can be helpful. If edema is persistent or severe, you should definitely consult a healthcare professional.
Effective methods to eliminate edema include:
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Reducing salt intake
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Wearing compression stockings under doctor supervision
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Walking
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Cycling
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Massaging the edematous area
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Avoiding tight clothing
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Eating healthily
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Taking vitamin B6 supplements
Foods that help reduce edema:
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Parsley
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Cucumber
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Watermelon, pineapple
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Lemon water
The personal health status should be considered when using such foods. Individuals with kidney disease should not apply any herbal solutions without consulting their doctors.
How is Edema Diagnosed in the Body?
To diagnose edema and understand its cause, a physical examination is conducted, checking for swelling in body tissues, and the medical history is reviewed. In some cases, blood tests, ultrasound examinations, or other tests may also be required.
- During edema diagnosis, specific areas are identified and pressure is applied to the skin to measure severity.
- The person's medical history is queried; information about health problems and dietary habits is obtained.
- Blood tests are used to evaluate kidney functions, thyroid functions, liver enzymes, and electrolyte balance.
- If thought to be related to veins, an ultrasound examination can be done.
- If there is edema in the legs, it can be examined by Doppler ultrasound.
- For organ-related problems, imaging tests such as x-rays, CT, or MRI can be applied.
How is Edema Treated?
The fundamental principle of edema treatment is to identify the underlying cause and implement the appropriate medical approach for that cause. While lifestyle changes are generally sufficient for temporary edema, medical treatment is essential for edema caused by systemic diseases.
If there is an underlying heart, kidney, liver, and thyroid disease, medical treatment is planned under the guidance of the relevant specialist. Medications may be used under a doctor’s supervision if deemed necessary. However, uncontrolled use of these drugs can lead to serious fluid-electrolyte imbalances, so they should be taken under a doctor's supervision.
In edema due to medications or lymphatic drainage disorders, supportive methods such as physical therapy and lymphatic massage may be preferred. Advanced evaluation should be conducted for unilateral, hard, or long-lasting edema.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does it take for edema in the body to subside?
The duration of edema varies depending on the type of underlying cause. Edema due to lack of physical activity, excessive salt consumption, or hormonal changes may usually decrease on its own within a few days. However, edema originating from the heart, kidneys, or liver may take longer to resolve and may require medical intervention.
Does every swelling mean edema?
No, not every swelling is associated with edema. Traumas, infections, soft tissue diseases, or local inflammations can also cause swelling; therefore, the type, duration, and accompanying symptoms of the swelling should be considered for evaluation.
In which areas of the body is edema more commonly seen?
Edema most commonly occurs in gravity-affected areas, such as the feet, ankles, and legs. However, in some systemic diseases, edema can also develop in the hands, face, abdominal cavity, lungs, or around the eyes.
Does daily water consumption reduce edema?
Yes, adequate water consumption is effective in maintaining body fluid balance and can help prevent the formation of edema. Dehydration in the body can increase fluid retention.
