Edema is the abnormal swelling of some part of the body due to the retention of fluid in body tissues. Most often, when physicians refer to edema, they are talking about swelling of the lower legs or ankles. Edema is not a disease itself. Rather, it is a sign that may be related to illness or injury or may simply be related to an inappropriate life style. It is the accumulation of excess fluid in the extravascular space of the lungs. This accumulation might occur slowly, as in a affected individual with occult renal failure, or with dramatic suddenness, as in a patient with left ventricular failure after an acute myocardial infarction. Pulmonary edema most commonly presents with dyspnea.

The causes of edema are many. Edema is a symptom by most inflammations. Insufficient heart action by congestive heart failure can cause edema. A too high intake of salt can cause general water retention in the body. Sitting and standing long in the same position can cause edema in the lower limbs. A still sitting life without exercise can cause or aggravate edema. Edema of the ankles and lower legs can be mild and passing or, it can accompany other conditions, including obesity, diseased leg veins, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, anemia, and severe malnutrition. It might also be a characteristic of congestive heart failure. Edema may present fatigue, breathing problems, JVD, Hypophysis, murmurs, Orthopnea, one-side cardiovascular malfunction (Right often), reduced outcome of cardiac, exerted Dyspnea, and so on. The condition can definitely cause many other signs or symptoms to actually arise as well.

Swelling involves the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body structures. It is caused by excessive buildup of fluid in the tissues. This buildup can lead to a rapid increase in weight over a short period of time. This weight gain can occur within a few days to a few weeks. Swelling can occur throughout the body (generalized) or it may be limited to a specific part of the body .When such swollen areas are touched or pressed, indentations may be formed which may take some time to vanish - the flesh may take a little while to return to the state it was in before it was touched or pressed. Some people who have had edema have reported occasional tingling sensations in these areas.

Edema can be treated quite easily and is always curable. With a simple diet change like reducing the salt intake, edema can be taken care of. In severe cases however, the doctor may prescribe a diuretic to drain off the excess salts and fluids. Sometimes even bed rest or elevation of the legs for a certain period daily can do the trick. In some instances, the edema goes away on its own. If the edema is caused by a restricted blood vessel then surgery might be required to help the blood flow normally, once again. If an area is swollen and you suspect edema you should protect that area and keep it out of harsh weather. If you get a scrape or cut in an area that is affected by edema then it will take a long time to heal and be extra-sensitive to an infection.

It is also important that you are drinking enough water on a daily basis. While drinking water may seem like a confusing treatment for water retention, it's important to understand how your body works. Your kidneys need enough fluid to remove toxins from your body. If there isn't enough fluid necessary for proper operation, then problems such as edema can occur. For this same reason, taking a water pill is not safe. The ideal method to treat edema is to find out the factors causing it and taking care of that cause first. Often, doctors recommend the reduction of salt intake as the first line of treatment. Another easy option is to elevate the legs for about half an hour everyday to take care of the swelling.

Read about herbal supplements Also read about glowing face and treatment of alopecia .

Read about health portal and herbal remedies.

To add a comment please login by clicking here