Edema – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Edema happens when too much fluid builds up in body tissues, causing swelling. While it can affect any body part, legs and feet are most commonly affected.

Several factors can trigger edema, including certain medications and pregnancy. More serious causes include heart failure, kidney problems, venous insufficiency, and liver cirrhosis.

Treatment options typically focus on addressing the underlying cause. Simple remedies like wearing compression garments and reducing salt intake can help manage symptoms effectively.

However, when edema stems from an illness, treating that condition is necessary for proper relief.

Signs of Swelling

Swelling under the skin often appears in the arms and legs. The skin might look stretched or shiny.

When you press on the swollen area for a few seconds and it leaves a dent, this is called pitting. Some people notice their stomach looks bigger than normal. Many also feel heaviness in their legs.

When You Should See a Doctor

Contact your doctor if you notice swelling, shiny skin, or skin that stays dented after pressing on it.

Don’t wait to get help if you have trouble breathing, an uneven heartbeat, or chest pain. These could mean fluid is building up in your lungs, which can be dangerous and needs immediate treatment.

If you’ve been sitting for many hours, like on a long flight, and have leg pain and swelling that doesn’t go away, call your doctor. This is especially important if the pain and swelling affect just one leg.

These symptoms might indicate a blood clot in a deep vein, which requires medical attention.

Causes

Swelling from excess fluid in body tissues, known as edema, happens when small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby areas. This leakage leads to the swelling we can see and feel.

Many everyday factors can cause mild edema. Sitting in one position too long without moving can trigger swelling. Eating foods high in salt is another common cause. Women may experience edema during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

Several medications can cause edema as a side effect.

• Blood pressure medications
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Steroids
• Estrogen products
• Some diabetes medications (thiazolidinediones)
• Certain nerve pain medicines

More serious health conditions can also lead to edema.

• Heart failure is a major cause, occurring when the heart’s lower chambers can’t pump blood effectively. This allows blood to back up in the feet, ankles, and legs.
  • Heart failure may also cause stomach swelling and fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), making breathing difficult.
• Liver problems like cirrhosis can cause fluid buildup in both the stomach area (ascites) and legs. When the liver doesn’t function properly, fluid balance throughout the body is disrupted.
• Kidney disease leads to salt and fluid retention, typically causing swelling in the legs and around the eyes.
  • Damage to kidney filtering vessels can result in nephrotic syndrome, where decreased blood protein levels lead to widespread edema.
• Chronic venous insufficiency happens when the valves in leg veins weaken, causing blood to pool instead of returning to the heart.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a leg vein, leading to sudden swelling and calf pain.
• The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in removing excess fluid from tissues. Damage to this system, such as from cancer surgery, can prevent proper drainage and lead to persistent swelling.
• Severe protein deficiency can also cause edema. When the body lacks adequate protein over time, fluid moves out of blood vessels and into surrounding tissues.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of developing edema:

• Pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Long-term health conditions like heart failure, liver disease, or kidney problems
• Surgery involving lymph nodes

These factors affect how your body manages fluid balance, leading to excess fluid buildup in tissues.

Complications

Untreated edema can lead to several problems over time. These issues range from mild discomfort to serious health concerns.

Pain often increases as swelling worsens. This can make walking difficult and cause stiffness in the affected areas. The skin may stretch, resulting in itchiness and discomfort.

The swollen area faces a higher infection risk because fluid buildup creates an environment where bacteria can grow. Other potential problems include:

• Tissue damage – Scarring can develop between tissue layers.
• Decreased circulation – Blood flow may become restricted.
• Reduced flexibility – Arteries, veins, muscles, and joints become less elastic
• Skin ulcers – Open sores may form, especially in severe cases.

Recognizing early warning signs of edema can help people with chronic health conditions prevent complications by seeking timely care.