In simple terms, Edema is puffiness or swelling on parts of the body. This happens when extra fluids build up in body tissues and swelling appears on the ankles, feet, hands and or legs. Sometimes, the swelling and puffiness can appear on the face.
This condition is mostly common in pregnant women and old people. However, anyone can suffer from it depending on a number of factors.
There are a lot of things that can cause Edema. The most common cause is sitting or standing for too long. Hot weather and eating too much salt makes the condition worse. Some people get this condition as a result of taking certain medicines as a side effect.
Other diseases or health conditions also contribute to people getting this condition. Some of these diseases include: liver disease, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure.
To know whether you have this condition, just press the swollen area with your finger for 15 seconds. If a dimple remains in the area after you have lifted your finger, then your test is positive. It is then advisable to visit a doctor so that some test to determine exactly what is causing the condition is done. The skin atop the swollen area may also appear somewhat shinny.
The treatment to this condition is finding out what exactly is causing all the swelling and puffiness and address it. Gradually, the body will come back to normal. There are a number of things you can do to stop or reduce the swelling.
When you are lying down or sitting, look for a way to elevate your legs so that they are not facing on the ground. This will reduce or stop the body fluids from being drained to body tissues by gravity.
There are support stockings that one can get from a pharmacy or from the doctor. These stockings put pressure on swollen legs or feet and reduce the extent of fluid collecting at your ankles or feet.
If possible, try to avoid standing or sitting for very long hours as this increases the chances of getting this condition. It is also of paramount importance that you limit the amount of salt you take in during meals. Too much salt worsens this condition.
Sometime, a doctor may recommend a diuretic; this medicine helps to drain the body fluids that have collected in the tissues and hence, reduces the condition. When edema is not treated and the skin keeps stretching, it may lead to other diseases or complications. People are advised to call the doctor whenever they get difficulty in breathing when they are having this condition.
Malnutrition has also been known to cause this condition. When protein levels are low in the blood, the body tries to balance the concentrations. This results in fluids to move out of the vessels and cause swelling and puffiness.
Sometimes this swelling can happen on only one leg. This may be caused by blood clots, weakened veins, and infections on the leg, lymphedema, or tumors.
