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Preventing the causes of edema and herbal remedies for treating pitting and non-pitting edema.

Edema

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What is Edema?
Diagnosing Edema
What Causes Edema?
Help for Edema
More Information on Edema

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What is Edema?

Edema is the noticeable swelling resulting from fluid accumulation in certain body tissues. It is most commonly found in the feet, ankles and legs although it may also affect the face, hands and other parts of the body and body organs. Pregnant women and older adults are often affected with this condition, but it can happen to anyone.

The swelling is brought about by the accumulation of excess fluid beneath the skin in the spaces within the body tissues that are outside of the blood vessels. These spaces are called interstitial spaces or compartments.

Types of Edema

Clinically there are two types of edema – pitting and non-pitting edema. Pitting edema is the term used to describe edema when pressure applied to the skin of the swollen area is released and an indentation is left behind (e.g. when the skin is pressed with a finger or when stockings or socks induce indentation). Non-pitting edema is the term used to describe edema when this pressure-induced indentation does not occur. Non-pitting edema usually occurs in the arms and legs.

Occasionally pitting edema and non-pitting edema can occur without an underlying disease and it is then known as idiopathic edema. This is most common in women who experience it in their legs and feet when they are pre-menstrual or pre-menopausal – it is then often known as cyclical edema.

Diagnosing Edema

The diagnosis of pitting and non-pitting edema are determined by the symptoms on physical examination. The doctor will examine the skin over the swollen area to check whether it may be stretched or shiny. By pushing gently on the swollen area for approximately 15 seconds, a dimple or indentation may be caused. Additional tests such as a urine test, blood test, a chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) may also be performed to confirm the cause of the edema.

Edema itself is usually a symptom of an underlying condition and can be noticed as swelling or puffiness of your face, hands, feet, legs, or around your eyes. Amongst others edema can indicate disease of the heart, liver, thyroid, lymphatic system or kidneys (causing salt retention).

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, redness or heat in a swollen edematous area, or a swelling of only one limb, consult a doctor immediately. Also, pregnant women who notice signs of edema should seek medical help. Because edema can be a symptom of a serious underlying disorder, and can cause serious consequences itself, it is always important to seek medical advice.

What Causes Edema?

There are many factors that can contribute to the causes of edema. Since it is often related to an underlying condition, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to be sure of the cause.

Possible Causes of Edema

Standing or sitting for long periods of time particularly in hot weather can cause excess fluid to accumulate in feet, ankles and lower legs.
Eating food with a high salt content.
Being largely overweight or obese. Excess weight can put added pressure on the knee and ankle joints and the lower limbs.
Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart can no longer pump efficiently, and causes fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body. Swelling is often most visible in the feet and ankles.
High blood pressure, liver, kidney and thyroid diseases can cause edema
Severe chronic (long-term) lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, increase pressure in the blood vessels that lead from the heart to the lungs. This pressure backs up in the heart and the higher pressure causes swelling in the legs and feet.
Tiny valves inside the veins of the legs can become weakened, causing a common problem called venous insufficiency. This makes it more difficult for the veins to pump blood back to the heart, and leads to varicose veins and a buildup of fluid.
Pregnancy can cause edema in the legs as the uterus puts pressure on the vena cava, a major blood vessel that returns blood to the heart from the legs, and progesterone relaxes the walls of the blood vessels. Fluid retention during pregnancy also can be caused by a more serious condition called pre-eclampsia.
Low protein levels in the blood caused by malnutrition, kidney and liver disease can also cause edema. The proteins help to hold water inside the blood vessels so fluid does not leak out into the tissues. If a blood protein, called albumin, gets too low, fluid leaks out the blood vessels and edema occurs, especially in the feet, ankles and lower legs.

Help for Edema

Depending on the causes of edema and if its temporary or permanent, treating edema usually focuses on treating the condition that is causing it. A low dose of a diuretic (water pill) may be prescribed to reduce the swelling and help you expel the excess fluid, but it is important to remember this just treats the symptom and is not necessarily addressing the cause.

If a blocked or damaged blood vessel is suspected as one of the causes of edema surgery may be needed to improve the flow of blood. Treating edema should include protecting any swollen, edematous areas of the body from pressure, injury and extreme temperatures. The skin over swollen areas becomes more fragile over time. Cuts, scrapes and burns in areas that have edema take much longer to heal and are open to infection.

Natural Remedies for Edema

Treating edema with natural and holistic remedies can also provide rapid relief for swelling and improve the blood flow through the veins. Using homeopathic and herbal remedies is a safer, gentler alternative that can improve overall health. Herbs such as Agathosma betulina (buchu) offer effective diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties and have been used by the indigenous people of South Africa for centuries. Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Olea europea help to balance blood pressure, assist liver and gall bladder functioning and improve circulation.

More Information on Edema

Tips for the Prevention of Edema

Follow a low salt diet
Avoid drinking too many fluids
If you are overweight or obese, try to lose weight and reduce the pressure on your lower limbs and joints
Elevate your legs above the level of your heart to keep swelling down and improve blood flow
If your ankles and feet are swollen during pregnancy, keep your legs elevated and lie on your side rather than your back
When you do lie down, place a pillow under your legs
Wear support or compression stockings to improve the flow of blood through the veins
Avoid leg swelling on long trips by standing up and walking around often or get up every hour
Exercise your feet and lower legs while sitting as this will help the veins move blood back toward the heart
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol