Edema Topic Guide

Kidney failure, or the ability of the kidneys to filter water and waste, is caused by prerenal, postrenal, or renal problems with the kidney(s). Symptoms of kidney failure include decreased urine production, confusion, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, problems concentrating, edema, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Treatment for kidney failure depends upon the cause.

Chest X-ray is a common procedure ordered to diagnose certain diseases and conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, emphysema, lung masses or nodules, tuberculosis, pleurisy, fractures, aortic aneurysms, or enlarged heart. Chest X-ray is a non-invasive and safe diagnostic procedure.

Twenty percent of people over the age of 20 years will develop chronic kidney disease in their lifetime. Chronic kidney disease causes are diseases of the kidney(s), diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, Glomerulonephritis, polycystic disease, medications, and other conditions. Symptoms include; fatigue, nausea and vomiting, edema, itching, easy bruising, anemia, headaches, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, chest pain, and more. Treatment for kidney disease generally involves dialysis, or kidney transplantation depending on the condition of the person and kidney(s).

Cirrhosis of the liver is progressive and chronic scarring of the liver, caused by hepatitis infection, alcoholism, or other factors. Learn about symptoms and life expectancy.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's tissues. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

A dislocated knee occurs when the bones that form your knee are out of place. Symptoms and signs include severe pain and swelling. Treatment usually involves relocation, immobilization, and possible reconstruction surgery.

Heart failure is an inability of the heart to pump blood adequately. Early symptoms and signs of heart failure include shortness of breath, peripheral edema, exercise intolerance, weight gain, increased urination, fatigue, pleural effusion, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

Hives are a sudden allergic skin reaction. Hives are raised reddish bumps that cause severe itching. Angioedema is similar to hives but the welts are larger and involve a deeper layer in the skin. Allergies, insect stings and bites, stress, exercise, and infections are common causes of hives and angioedema. In mild cases, no treatment is needed. Severe reactions should be treated by a health care professional.

Liver blood tests are used to check the levels and function of liver enzymes in the blood called AST and ALT or aminotransferases in the blood. Symptoms of elevated or high liver enzymes in the blood include fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, itching, and nausea. Normal levels of liver enzymes in blood are caused by liver diseases caused by drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain medications, and statins. Less common causes of abnormal levels of ALT or AST levels in the blood are alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases (NASH), hepatitis, and alcoholism. Normal levels of ALT ranges from about 7-56 units/liter, and 10-40 units/liters for AST. Elevated (high) and low liver enzymes elevated levels of AST and ALT may signify the level of liver damage the person has. A blood sample is sent to the laboratory for measurement. Usually, you doctor will have the results interpreted within a few hours to days. Liver blood tests are used to check normal, elevated (high), and low blood levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT or aminotransferases). Symptoms of elevated levels of liver enzymes are fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and nausea. Drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain drugs, and statins caused high levels of liver enzymes. Less common causes are NASH, hepatitis, and alcoholism.

The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, and is actually an gland. The liver has a wide variety of critical functions such as manufacturing proteins and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates. The liver also eliminates harmful biochemical waste products from the body (alcohol, drugs, toxins).The liver secretes bile that aids in digestion. Examples of diseases of the liver include; cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and fatty liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver). Symptoms of liver disease include bleeding, easy bruising, edema, fatigue, and jaundice.

Lymphedema is the swelling of one or more of the legs and arms caused by poor function of the lymphatic system. There are two classifications of lymphedema, primary and secondary. The most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the US is breast cancer treatment complications as well as other surgeries. Filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema worldwide. There is no cure for lymphedema (with the exception of antibiotics for filariasis). Focus is geared toward the management of symptoms.

Pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized by a sperm, grows inside a woman's uterus (womb), and develops into a baby. In humans, this process takes about 280 days.

The symptoms of early pregnancy a pregnant woman may experience include missed periods, abdominal bloating, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness and pain, food cravings, fatigue, frequent urination, elevated body temperature, changes in nipple color, darkening of the skin (melasma), mood swings, stress, headaches, and other symptoms.

Pulmonary edema is a collection of excess fluid in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is classified as either cardiogenic (caused by heart problems) and non-cardiogenic. The primary symptom of pulmonary edema is shortness of breath. Pulmonary edema can be a life-threatening medical situation. The treatment for pulmonary edema can be ICU care in some cases, and medication in other cases.

Pulmonary edema is an excess collection of watery fluid in the lungs that inhibits lung function. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Pulmonary hypertension is an abnormally high pressure in the pulmonary arteries leading from the heart to the lungs. Primary pulmonary hypertension has no underlying condition that has caused this condition. Secondary pulmonary hypertension is caused by other underlying conditions. Treatment depends on the cause of the underlying condition, or the condition of primary pulmonary hypertension.

Urinalysis (Urine Test UA) is a commonly ordered medical test to analyze urine. It may be used to diagnose, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, to screen for kidney diseases, to monitor diabetes, or high blood pressure (hypertension). A urinalysis looks for white and red blood cells, epithelial cells, blood or protein in the urine, crystals, or bacteria, among other things.

Angioedema is the swelling of tissue under the skin. Allergies are a common cause of angioedema. Common allergens include foods, insect bites, plants, exercise, and medications.

Swelling (edema) occurs when fluid accumulates in the body’s tissues. Swelling (edema) can happen anywhere in the body, but commonly occurs in the lower legs, hands, abdomen, or chest (in or around the lungs). Swelling can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, and when it occurs in the lungs it can be life-threatening.

Diuretics (water pills) help the kidneys get rid of excess water and salt in the body, which makes it easier for the heart to pump. The definition of heart failure means the heart is not pumping as it should to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Diuretics are frequently used to treat swelling and water buildup caused by heart failure.