What is edema?
Edema is swelling that is caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. Edema happens most often in the feet, ankles, and legs. Other parts of the body, such as the face and hands, can also be affected. Edema can happen to anyone.
What causes edema?
Edema has many possible causes.
- Edema can occur as a result of gravity, especially from sitting or standing in one place for too long. Water naturally gets pulled down into your legs and feet.
- It can happen from a weakening in the valves of the veins in the legs (a condition called venous insufficiency). This problem makes it hard for the veins to push blood back up to the heart, and leads to varicose veins and a build up of fluid in the legs.
- Certain diseases — such as congestive heart failure and lung, liver, kidney, and thyroid diseases — can cause edema or make it worse.
- Being pregnant can cause edema in the legs as the uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the lower trunk of the body.
In addition, too much salt from your diet can make edema worse.
What are the symptoms of edema?
Signs that you might have edema include:
- The skin over the swollen area might look stretched and shiny.
- Pushing in gently on the swollen area with your finger for about 10 to 15 seconds and then removing your finger will leave a dimple in the skin.
Your doctor will ask you questions, conduct a full exam, and might order tests to determine if you have edema.
How is edema treated?
Edema can be temporary or permanent depending on its cause. Edema is treated according to the underlying condition causing it. For example, if edema is caused by either of the lung diseases emphysema or chronic bronchitis, quitting smoking would be advised if the patient smokes. Cutting down on excess alcohol intake, and monitoring and treating coronary artery disease would be advised for patients with chronic heart failure.
In addition, to treating the underlying diseases, there are a few other steps you can take to keep fluids from building up in your body.
- Put a pillow under your legs when you are lying down. (Keep your legs elevated above the level of your heart.)
- Wear support stockings. These stockings, which can be purchased at most drug stores, put pressure on your legs and keep fluids from collecting in your legs and ankles.
- Do not sit or stand for long periods of time without moving.
- Ask your doctor about limiting your salt intake.
- Follow your doctor’s directions for taking any prescription drugs that might be prescribed. Your doctor might want you to take a diuretic (commonly called a "water pill"), which helps rid your body of excess fluid.
Other important tips:
- Protect any swollen areas from additional pressure, injury, and extreme temperatures. Injury to the skin over swollen areas takes longer to heal and is more likely to become infected.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience any pain, redness, or heat in a swollen area; have an open sore; or experience shortness of breath or swelling of only one limb.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 11/7/2005...#12564
