Edema

What is Edema

Edema is when you have too much fluid in your body or under your skin. Edema may make your legs, feet, and ankles swell up. Swelling is also common in looser tissues, like around your eyes.

This is a common condition. It gets more common as you get older. There are many possible causes of edema. Eating too much salt (sodium) and being on your feet or sitting for a long time can cause edema in your legs, feet, and ankles. Hot weather may make edema worse.

Edema is usually painless. Your skin may look swollen or shiny.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Keep the swollen body part raised (elevated) above the level of your heart when you are sitting or lying down.
  • Do not sit still or stand for a long time.
  • Do not wear tight clothes. Do not wear garters on your upper legs.
  • Exercise your legs. This can help the swelling go down.
  • Wear elastic bandages or support stockings as told by your doctor.
  • Eat a low-salt (low-sodium) diet to reduce fluid as told by your doctor.
  • Depending on the cause of your swelling, you may need to limit how much fluid you drink (fluid restriction).
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.

Contact a doctor if:

  • Treatment is not working.
  • You have heart, liver, or kidney disease and have symptoms of edema.
  • You have sudden and unexplained weight gain.

Get help right away if:

  • You have shortness of breath or chest pain.
  • You cannot breathe when you lie down.
  • You have pain, redness, or warmth in the swollen areas.
  • You have heart, liver, or kidney disease and get edema all of a sudden.
  • You have a fever and your symptoms get worse all of a sudden.

Summary

  • Edema is when you have too much fluid in your body or under your skin.
  • Edema may make your legs, feet, and ankles swell up. Swelling is also common in looser tissues, like around your eyes.
  • Raise (elevate) the swollen body part above the level of your heart when you are sitting or lying down.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions about diet and how much fluid you can drink (fluid restriction).
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856