Edema: Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in tissues in certain parts of the body causing swelling, pain, redness, and soreness. There are various types of edema. The most common type is peripheral edema, which affects the arms, legs, ankles, and feet. Edema is caused by many diseases and health problems like water retention, lymphedema, blood clots in the leg.
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Acute Kidney Failure
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
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. -
Chronic Kidney Disease
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
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
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. -
Knee Dislocation
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 Symptoms
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 and Angioedema
Hives are itchy wheals caused by an allergic skin reaction. Angioedema refers to welts that form in a deeper skin layer. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hives and angioedema. -
Liver Blood Tests
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. -
Liver
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
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 Week by Week
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. -
Pregnancy Symptoms
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
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 vs Emphysema
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
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
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. -
What Causes Angioedema
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. -
What Causes Body Swelling Edema
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. -
Why Are Diuretics Used in Heart Failure
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.
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Edema Topic Guide - Visuals
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Edema Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Hydrochlorothiazide And TriamtereneHydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic...learn more »
SpironolactoneSpironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting...learn more »
IndapamideIndapamide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention...learn more »
HydrochlorothiazideHydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)...learn more »
ChlorthalidoneChlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention...learn more »
BumetanideBumetanide is diuretic that is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nep...learn more »
AmilorideAmiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too ...learn more »
FurosemideFurosemide is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt. This allows the salt to instead be passed in your urine......learn more »
Edema Topic Guide – Related Topics
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How Is Diabetic Macular Edema Treated
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Kidney Transplant
End-stage renal disease is the name for kidney failure so advanced that it cannot be reversed. Dialysis and kidney transplantation are the only treatments for e...learn more »
What Triggers Lymphedema
Lymphedema, or swelling caused by lymph accumulation, can have a variety of causes, from genetic malformations of the lymph system to cancer, surgery or infecti...learn more »
Ultrasound
Ultrasound (sonography, Doppler study) is a non-invasive diagnostic medical procedure performed to exam the internal organs and tissues of the body. There are s...learn more »
Lymphedema From Cancer and Its Treatment
Cancer and its treatment are risk factors for lymphedema. The lymph system is a network of lymph vessels, tissues, and organs that carry lymph throughout the bo...learn more »