Edema

#20

Edema is swelling caused by buildup of fluid that leaks out from the capillaries, and it often occurs in the feet, legs, or ankles, but can also occur in other parts of the body. Edema usually affects pregnant people or people over the age of 65.

Symptoms

Symptoms of edema vary depending on the part of the body it occurs in, but some include shiny/stretched skin, heaviness of the leg(s), and trouble breathing.

Types of Edema

There are multiple types of edema, and a few include:

Peripheral: Fluid builds up in the legs, feet, ankles, and arms.

Pulmonary: Fluid builds up in the lungs, causing trouble breathing.

Cerebral: Fluid builds up in the brain (may be caused by a blocked/broken blood vessel, tumor, or allergic reaction).

Macular: Fluid builds up in the macula (center of retina).

Causes

Medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver/kidney damage, weakened valves, pregnancy, and allergic reactions may cause edema.

Treatment

Mild cases of edema usually go away on their own, and elevating the legs and wearing support socks/sleeves can help. For more severe cases, blood thinners, surgery, or diuretics (medication that increases the release of sodium and water through urine) may be needed.

Edema Throughout History

In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates, a Greek physician and philosopher, coined the term “dropsy,” or what we now call edema. Writings on dropsy have been found in Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations, where they focused on the causes and treatments of the condition. It wasn’t until the 17th century and onwards that more forms of edema began to be recognized, and in the 1950s, diuretics were developed to help treat edema.

Sources:

WebMD

Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

NLM