Diseases & Conditions

Edema

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues. Although edema can affect any part of your body, it's most commonly noticed in your hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.

Edema can be the result of underlying medical conditions, certain medications or pregnancy.

Identifying and treating the underlying cause of edema is key to effectively controlling it. Self-care measures coupled with medication that removes excess fluid usually can effectively treat edema.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Swelling or puffiness of the tissue under your skin (subcutaneous tissue)
• Stretched or shiny skin
• Skin that retains a dimple after being pressed for several seconds
• Increased abdominal size

Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and chest pain may be signs and symptoms of edema in your lungs (pulmonary edema). Pulmonary edema is a potentially life-threatening condition. Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary edema differ from other forms of edema. If you have signs or symptoms of pulmonary edema, seek immediate medication attention.

To determine the underlying cause of edema, your doctor will ask questions about your health history and your condition, including how long you've had signs and symptoms of edema, if the signs and symptoms come and go (intermittent) or if you have them all the time (persistent), and if you've had edema before.

Your doctor will also perform a physical exam. If your doctor suspects an underlying medical condition as the cause of edema, he or she may recommend tests, such as a chest X-ray, blood tests or urine tests, to diagnose the condition.

Treating edema usually involves:

• Treating the underlying cause of edema
• Taking medication to increase your kidneys' output of water and sodium (diuretics). Diuretics often used to treat edema include thiazide diuretics, furosemide (Lasix) and spironolactone.
• Limiting salt in your diet to decrease fluid retention, as recommended by your doctor

In some cases, diuretics may not be appropriate to treat edema, such as in people who have chronic venous insufficiency or in pregnant women.