Why do you get edema

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. Massage Firm but not painful strokes around the affected area toward the heart may help stimulate excess fluid to move out of the area. Reduced Salt Intake Too much salt can increase fluid retention and worsen swelling.

Talk to your doctor about the best ways to limit sodium intake in your diet. Compression Your doctor may recommend compression socks, sleeves, or gloves after the swelling has gone down in your limbs to prevent it from recurring.

These garments keep pressure on the arms and legs to prevent fluid from collecting. American Heart Association. This leading heart association offers a wide array of resources on heart disease, including heart failure, which can result in swelling edema. Go to You could have a blood clot in your lungs, which needs immediate treatment in hospital. Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause. It may include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or going on a low-salt diet.

Page last reviewed: 14 November Next review due: 14 November Also, if you suddenly develop edema during pregnancy , call your doctor immediately, as it may be a sign of complications.

Peripheral edema refers to swelling in your lower legs or hands, and it can have a variety of causes ranging from mild to serious. Find out all you need to know about water retention and what you can do to relieve this common health issue. Diuretics are substances that increase the amount of urine you produce and help get rid of excess water.

Here's a list of the 8 best natural diuretics. There are many options for people who have trouble with traditional diuretics or would prefer a natural alternative. Foods such as berries, beverages…. Water retention involves increased amounts of fluids building up inside the body.

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Read on to learn the risk factors…. A doctor diagnoses heart failure based on symptoms, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests. Then, they can suggest treatment that's right for your….

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