Edema

Edema is the medical term for swelling.  I am sure we have all noticed some sort of swelling before, whether it is after a long day of being on our feet, or from a bee sting we got at the pool.  Edema is a general response of the body to any type of injury or inflammation.  Edema can be isolated to just a small area of the body, or affect it entirely.  Many medical problems can lead to edema.  Medications, infections, and pregnancy are other reasons edema may occur.  Edema results whenever small blood vessels begin to leak and release fluid into the nearby tissues.  The accumulation of the excess fluid causes the swelling.

Since edema is a normal response of the body to inflammation or injury, it can be beneficial.  For example, if you or your loved one acquires a skin infection that results in edema, the increase in fluid from the leaky blood vessels will allow more infection-fighting white blood cells to enter the affected area, which will result in a faster healing time.

Edema may also result from medical conditions or problems in how substances are balanced in the bloodstream.  Therefore, edema may also be detrimental to your health.  Following are some of the causes of edema:

·      Low albumin.  Albumin is a type of protein that circulates in the bloodstream.  Albumin acts like a sponge to help keep fluid in the blood vessels.  Therefore, if albumin is low, the bloodstream is low on sponges, so fluid begins to accumulate.

·      Allergic reactions.  The body allows nearby blood vessels to lead fluid into the affected area.  This increases the infection fighters in the blood so that the allergies resolve more quickly.

·      Obstruction of flow.  If drainage of fluid from a body part is blocked, the fluid will back up causing edema.  An example of this would be a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg.

·      Critical illness.  Burns, infections, and other critical illnesses can cause a reaction throughout the entire body that allows excess fluid to leak into tissues everywhere, causing widespread edema.

·      Edema and heart disease.  Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart weakens and pumps blood less effectively throughout the body.  The inadequate blood supply causes fluids to slowly build up, creating edema in the legs.  Individuals also experience shortness of breath.  Fluid buildup may also occur rapidly, and fluid buildup in the lungs can cause pulmonary edema. 

·      Edema and liver disease.  Severe liver disease (cirrhosis) results in an increase in fluid retention.  Cirrhosis also leads to low levels of albumin.  Generally with liver disease the edema will be prominent in the abdomen, which is called ascites.

·      Cerebral edema.  This is swelling in the brain.  This type of edema can be caused by head trauma, low sodium levels, being at high altitudes, brain tumors, or an obstruction to fluid drainage.  Headaches, confusion, and unconsciousness or coma can be symptoms of cerebral edema that individuals should be familiar with.

Symptoms of edema depend upon the amount of edema and the body part that is affected.  Edema in a small area such as from a mosquito bite may cause no noticeable symptoms at all.  However, a large local allergic reaction from a bee sting for instance, may cause edema that affects the entire arm.  Tense skin, pain, and limited movement of the affected body part can be symptoms of edema.  Food allergies are another category to be familiar with because this type may cause edema to occur in the tongue or throat, which can be life-threatening because it may interfere with breathing.

Edema that occurs in the legs is the general complaint of aging individuals.  Edema of the legs can cause the legs to feel heavy and interfere with walking.  For example, in edema that occurs with heart disease the legs may easily weigh an extra 5 pounds each.  Also, accumulation of fluid in the lungs may cause pulmonary edema which causes shortness of breath that is accompanied by low oxygen levels in the blood.  The hallmark of pulmonary edema is a cough with frothy sputum.

Treatment of edema involves treating the underlying cause.  This could range from medications to removal of an obstruction.  A rule of thumb that is used often if your legs are swollen is to elevate them above the level of your heart.  Edema can occur at any time and from an array of causes; after your provider discovers the underlying cause of your edema your treatment regimen will then be established.

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you and all the problems edema causes in your daily life.  We will provide you with professional staff that will be beside you every step of the way to modify your daily routines so that you may maintain your optimal level of functioning while being treated for edema.  Total Home Health has many years of experience in dealing with edema and will introduce you to the best ways to cope with your condition.