Edema is observable swelling caused by a marked increase in interstitial fluid volume.
1/3 of body fluid is in the extracellular space. The extracellular space consists of two parts, the vessel and the interstitial space. The water pressure in the vein and the pressure created by the proteins in the interstitial fluid and the fluid flow between these two sections are in equilibrium. As a result of the disruption of this flow, which is in equilibrium, due to one or more changes, edema occurs with the increase of fluid flow from the vein to the interstitial space.
Which diseases are signs or results?
Conditions that disrupt the fluid flow balance between tissues; capillary damage (may occur with the effect of drugs, viral and bacterial agents, thermal or mechanical trauma), vein occlusion, lymph vessel occlusion, decrease in arterial blood volume, decrease in heart beat volume. diseases that lead to protein loss, excessive salt intake.
* There is a decrease in effective blood circulation in many forms of edema, and in repairing this condition, the body increases water and salt retention from the kidneys.
* Heart, liver, kidney failure are the most common diseases in which diffuse edema is seen.
* Limited edema in the arm or leg occurs as a result of vein or lymphatic vessel occlusion.
* Apart from this, hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid gland functions), use of certain drugs, and pregnancy may also cause edema.
In whom and in what age range is it seen?
There is no specific age or gender frequency for edema formation. However, the form defined as idiopathic edema occurs almost exclusively in women (especially in the premenopausal period). It is characterized by periodic attacks unrelated to menstruation (menstrual period). There are no signs of liver heart and kidney failure. It is often accompanied by abdominal distension. It is related to salt and water retention due to prolonged standing.
In addition, premenstrual edema can be seen in women due to salt and water retention, which can occur with excessive estrogen stimulation.
What kind of problems does it cause in people?
The complaints of patients with edema primarily depend on the cause of the disease. Apart from that, there are problems with swelling of the relevant tissue and organ depending on the widespread and locality of the edema and the region where it is located. Shortness of breath, abdominal swelling, heart and liver enlargement, and legs swelling, such as swelling around the face and eyes…
How is the diagnosis made?
Diffuse edema is recognized by swelling on the face and especially around the eyes. Pressing the swollen area with a finger creates a dimple and this pit continues after the pressure is removed.
The distribution of edema is an important guide to the cause of edema. Edema limited to one leg or arm is usually the result of occlusion of a vein or lymphatic vessel. Edema related to heart failure tends to be more pronounced in the legs and in the evening. Protein Edema caused by its deficiency appears especially on the face and eyelids and is more pronounced in the morning.
The appearance of the edematous region (thickness of the skin, color sensitivity) is important in the diagnosis. Regional temperature increase and tenderness suggest edema due to inflammation. In the area with prolonged and recurrent edema attacks, the skin is thick, hard and red.
What problems will it cause if left untreated?
Problems occur depending on the function of the edematous area or organ. Since edema is a result, not a cause, the main problem here is the treatment of the condition or disease that causes edema.
Does it recur even if treated?
Edema may recur as long as conditions that disrupt the balance of fluid flow between tissues occur.
Edema due to a chronic disease (such as heart, liver, kidney failure) may recur with the deterioration of disease-related control.
In the treatment of widespread edema due to systemic diseases, diuretic (diuretic) drugs can alleviate edema.
Diuretic treatment is not effective in limited edema due to venous insufficiency. This type of edema is frequently seen in the legs and the reason is the pooling of blood below and enlargement of the veins due to the insufficiency of the valves in the veins that return the blood to the heart. Wearing elastic stockings is helpful.
What should a person pay attention to?
In addition to applying the treatment of the underlying disease, reducing salt intake especially in idiopathic periodic edema, resting in supine position for a few hours every day, wearing elastic stockings (must be worn before getting out of bed in the morning), avoiding excessive and unconscious diuretic (edema solvent) use is important.
Things to consider to prevent or reduce edema:
1. Reducing salt and salty food consumption
2. Drinking plenty of water
3. Being active, avoiding inactivity
4. Reducing carbohydrate consumption
5. If there is a disease that causes edema (such as heart failure, hypothyroidism), follow the treatment regimen of the disease in question. If there is an increase in edema while under regular treatment, to consult the relevant doctor.
6. To prevent edema that occurs in the legs during the day, not to stand for a long time, not to cross the legs while sitting, not to cross the legs while sitting, to rest at the end of the day by raising the legs at an angle of 45 degrees
7. To reduce premenstrual edema, 2 weeks before the menstrual date Starting to reduce salty food and carbohydrate intake.
8. Applying cold at short intervals to prevent regional edema caused by trauma.
