Oedema, also known as dropsy, is the medical term for fluid retention in the body.
The build-up of fluid causes affected tissue to become swollen. The swelling can occur in one particular part of the body – for example, as the result of an injury – or it can be more general. This is usually the case with oedema that occurs as a result of certain health conditions, such as heart failure or kidney failure.
Signs Of Having Oedema
1. swelling or puffiness of the skin,
2. skin discolouration
3. aching, tender limbs
4. stiff joints
5. weight gain or weight loss
6. raised blood pressure and pulse rate
Types of oedema
Oedema can occur anywhere in the body but it’s most common in the feet and ankles, where it is known as peripheral oedema.
Other types of oedema include:
cerebral oedema (affecting the brain)
pulmonary oedema (affecting the lungs)
macular oedema (affecting the eyes)
Idiopathic oedema is a term used to describe cases where doctors are unable to find a cause.
What causes oedema?
Oedema is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. It can occur as a result of the following conditions or treatments:
pregnancy
kidney disease
heart failure
chronic lung disease
thyroid disease
liver disease
malnutrition
medication, such as corticosteroids or medicine for high blood pressure (hypertension)
the contraceptive pill
Oedema that occurs in the leg may be caused by:
a blood clot
varicose veins
a growth or cyst
Oedema can also sometimes occur as a result of:
being immobile for long periods
hot weather
exposure to high altitudes
burns to the skin
Treating oedema
Oedema usually clears up when the underlying condition causing the fluid imbalance is diagnosed and treated.
Your doctor may recommend some things you can do yourself to reduce fluid retention, including:
1. losing weight (if you are overweight)
2. taking regular exercise, such as walking, swimming and cycling
3. raising your legs three-to-four times a day to improve your circulation
4. avoiding standing for long periods of time
5. Diuretics
Diuretics are a type of medication that may also be prescribed to help reduce fluid build-up. They work by increasing the amount of urine you produce. Not everyone can use diuretics and in some cases they can make things worse. They are mainly used to treat people who develop oedema as a result of heart failure
