Pulmonary edema can lead to shortness of breath. While uncommon, pulmonary edema can be life-threatening. A person experiencing edema with shortness of breath should see a doctor right away. Chronic Venous Insufficiency This improper functioning of the vein valves in the leg can lead to leg swelling. In people with this condition, the veins are having trouble transporting enough blood all the way to the feet and then back to the heart, so it gathers in the legs.
Increased pressure causes the fluid to be pushed out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue, leading to edema.
Kidney Disease Edema can occur because the disease leads to extra fluid and sodium in the circulatory system, which then builds up pressure in the blood vessels and leads to swelling. Kidney disease can cause edema in multiple areas. This causes a declining level of protein in the blood, which can lead to fluid accumulation and edema. Liver Cirrhosis A scarring of the liver tissue, it can lead to abdominal edema. This happens because cirrhosis causes a lack of proteins in the liver, which can lead to increased pressure in the blood vessels and fluid seeping into the abdomen.
Severe Lung Conditions Conditions such as emphysema can lead to edema if pressure in the lungs and heart gets too high. Mild cases of edema will usually go away on their own, particularly if you make certain lifestyle adjustments. More severe cases of edema may be treated with diuretics medications that help your body expel excess fluid in urine.
If edema is caused by an underlying health condition such as heart failure, long-term management should focus on treating the underlying condition. Elevating the Affected Limb Holding the swollen arm or leg above heart level several times a day can help reduce swelling.
In some instances, elevating the affected limb while sleeping may also be beneficial. Exercise Moving the muscles in the part of the body affected by edema, particularly the legs, can help pump excess fluid back to the heart.
Talk to your healthcare provider about exercises that are right for you. Show references Longo DL, et al. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Accessed Aug. McKean SC, et al, eds. In: Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine. Trayes KP, et al. Edema: Diagnosis and management. American Family Physician. Papadakis MA, et al, eds. If you are pregnant and you notice edema, see your doctor as soon as you can. See your doctor right away if you start to have trouble breathing.
Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. Contact afpserv aafp. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Edema is caused by extra fluid that builds up in the tissues of your body.
Many things can cause fluid to build up. Sometimes gravity pulls fluid down into your legs and feet. Sitting or standing still for too long can cause edema of the legs, especially in hot weather. Eating food with too much salt can make the problem worse. Edema can also be a side effect of taking certain medicines. Some health problems, such as congestive heart failure , liver disease, and kidney disease, can cause edema.
You cannot catch edema from other people. It does not run in families. Your doctor can tell whether you have edema by examining you.
The skin over the swollen area may be stretched and shiny. Pushing gently on the swollen area for about 15 seconds will leave a dimple. If this happens, your doctor might want to do some tests to see what is causing your edema. Depending on what it causing your edema, you may not be able to prevent it from happening. If your edema is caused by health problems, such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, you will not be able to prevent it, only manage it. If your edema is caused by eating too much salt, you will be able to prevent it by eating less salt.
The only way to treat edema is to treat the condition that is causing it. Your doctor might want you to take a medicine called a diuretic.
0コメント