When is edema serious

However, you should seek medical attention immediately if you experience these along with shortness of breath , difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

The blood can then back up in the legs, ankles, and feet, which leads to swelling, or edema. Heart failure can also cause swelling in the abdomen and sometimes can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, called pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema can lead to shortness of breath. While uncommon, pulmonary edema can be life-threatening. A person experiencing edema with shortness of breath should see a doctor right away.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency This improper functioning of the vein valves in the leg can lead to leg swelling. In people with this condition, the veins are having trouble transporting enough blood all the way to the feet and then back to the heart, so it gathers in the legs. Increased pressure causes the fluid to be pushed out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue, leading to edema. Kidney Disease Edema can occur because the disease leads to extra fluid and sodium in the circulatory system, which then builds up pressure in the blood vessels and leads to swelling.

Kidney disease can cause edema in multiple areas. This causes a declining level of protein in the blood, which can lead to fluid accumulation and edema. Liver Cirrhosis A scarring of the liver tissue, it can lead to abdominal edema. This happens because cirrhosis causes a lack of proteins in the liver, which can lead to increased pressure in the blood vessels and fluid seeping into the abdomen. Severe Lung Conditions Conditions such as emphysema can lead to edema if pressure in the lungs and heart gets too high.

Mild cases of edema will usually go away on their own, particularly if you make certain lifestyle adjustments.

More severe cases of edema may be treated with diuretics medications that help your body expel excess fluid in urine. If edema is caused by an underlying health condition such as heart failure, long-term management should focus on treating the underlying condition.

Elevating the Affected Limb Holding the swollen arm or leg above heart level several times a day can help reduce swelling. A number of dietary factors can also affect the risk of edema, such as:. Some complications of diabetes include:. These complications, and certain medications for diabetes , can result in edema.

Some foods and insect bites may cause edema of the face or skin in people who have allergies or sensitivities to them. Severe swelling can be a symptom of anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency. Edema occurs when fluid builds up in the body. This causes swelling, which can sometimes be painful. There are several potential causes of edema, including pregnancy, heart failure, liver disease, and certain medications. The treatment a person receives will depend on the cause. Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid collects in air sacs of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

It can develop suddenly or gradually, and it is…. Edema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid. When swollen skin remains indented after being pressed, this is called pitting edema. It is most…. A look at anasarca, a condition that causes a general swelling of the body.

Included is detail on how it is diagnosed and the outlook for the…. Hypervolemia is a condition in which there is too much fluid in the blood.

It is also known as fluid overload. Learn more about the causes. Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in a deep vein that can be fatal. Read about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here. Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid collects in air sacs of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It can develop suddenly or gradually, and it is…. How to identify pitting edema. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Symptoms of pitting edema. Share on Pinterest Pitting edema may cause indentations to remain on the skin after pressure is released.

Causes of pitting edema. Risk factors. Share on Pinterest A sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of pitting edema. When to see a doctor. Diagnosis and grading. Share on Pinterest The treatment plan for pitting edema will depend upon the cause.

Latest news Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Related Coverage. Hypervolemia: What you need to know about fluid overload. Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. What is lymphedema? When combined with other conditions, a poor diet can also make edema worse. Malnutrition with a low-protein intake can also lead to hypoalbuminemia, which in turn can lead to edema.

Prolonged sitting and standing can also cause edema, especially in hot weather. Obesity and pregnancy are also associated with a higher risk of developing edema. Other physical conditions can increase your chances of developing edema. For example, edema can result from varicose veins or damaged veins in your legs. Depending on the location, any surgery that involves the removal of lymph nodes can result in edema.

This form of edema is known as lymphedema. While the symptoms of an edema will typically improve after rest and home treatment, they can be a sign of serious medical complications like heart or kidney failure. In general, you should see a doctor if swelling persists after treating it at home for a few days, or if it continues to worsen. In more specific cases, if you experience difficulty breathing you should see a doctor immediately, as this may be a sign of a pulmonary edema.

Also, if you suddenly develop edema during pregnancy , call your doctor immediately, as it may be a sign of complications. Peripheral edema refers to swelling in your lower legs or hands, and it can have a variety of causes ranging from mild to serious. Find out all you need to know about water retention and what you can do to relieve this common health issue.

Diuretics are substances that increase the amount of urine you produce and help get rid of excess water. Here's a list of the 8 best natural diuretics.