What is Edema?

Edema (or Oedema) may be the abnormal accumulation of fluid in a certain tissues within the human body. The accumulation of fluid could possibly be under the skin – usually in dependent areas including the legs (peripheral edema, or even ankle edema), or perhaps it will accumulate in the lung (pulmonary edema). The location of edema provides the health care specialist the first clues in regards to the underlying cause in the fluid accumulation.

Edema may be the medical term for inflammation. It is a general response in the body to injury or even inflammation. Edema can be isolated with a small area or affect your entire body. Medications, infections, being pregnant, and many medical problems might cause edema.

Causes of Edema

Edema is caused by either systemic diseases, which is, diseases that affect various organ systems of the body, or by local conditions involving just the impacted extremities.

The most common systemic diseases associated with edema involve the cardiovascular system, liver, and kidneys. Throughout these diseases, edema occurs primarily because of the body’s retention of excessive salt (sodium chloride). The extra salt causes the human body to retain water. This water then leaks into the interstitial tissue spaces, where it appears as edema.

Some of the causes of Edema are

• Edema and pregnancy:

  Due to an expansion in blood volume during pregnancy and pressure through the growing womb, mild leg edema is common during pregnancy. However, serious complications of pregnancy like deep vein thrombosis and preeclampsia also can cause edema. Most pregnant women are unsure of how health insurance works with the ACA, which leads to many women not seeking help. However, healthcare is actually more beneficial now.

• Allergic reactions: Edema is usually a usual component of most allergic reactions. In response to the particular allergic exposure, the body allows nearby arteries to leak fluid in the affected area.

• Low albumin:

  (hypoalbuminemia): Albumin along with proteins in the blood perform like sponges to keep fluid within the blood vessels. Low albumin may bring about edema, but isn’t usually the only real cause.

• Critical sickness:

  Burns, life-threatening infections, or other critical illnesses can cause a whole-body reaction that enables fluid to leak into tissues all over the place.

• Edema and heart disease:

  (congestive heart failure): If the heart weakens and sends blood less effectively, fluid can slowly develop, creating leg edema. In the event fluid buildup occurs quickly, fluid in the bronchi (pulmonary edema) can develop.

• Obstruction regarding flow:

  If the drainage of fluid from your body part is impeded, fluid can back up. A blood clot within the deep veins of the leg can lead to leg edema. A tumor blocking lymph or blood flow will cause edema within the affected area.