Dorothy FarrarSwelling (edema)
Swelling ( edema ) is a fluid retention in which water from the vessels in the intervening tissue (connective tissue) accumulates. Colloquially, edema is therefore also referred to as “dropsy”. Edema can be triggered by a wide variety of diseases. Therefore, a medical examination is advisable in any case.
What is swelling (edema)?
Swelling is caused by accumulation of water or fluid in the tissue. They are also known as edema. The water or fluid forms outside of the cells and accumulates in the tissues.
Swelling can theoretically occur on any part of the body. However, the legs are often affected. A typical sign of swelling is clearly visible dents that remain after pressure is applied to the swollen areas.
There are numerous causes, some of them serious, that can be responsible for the development of this edema. Therefore, if symptoms occur, a doctor should always be consulted to clarify the causes of the swelling.
causes
Swelling can be caused by numerous harmless and serious causes. The most common causes are accidents, such as bumps or falls. In the process, the affected tissue is injured and deposits water or fluid in the surrounding area.
Other typical causes of swelling or edema are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or an underactive or overactive thyroid gland .
Heart disease or circulatory disorders can also cause swelling. In addition, there are numerous diseases of the most varied nature that can be considered as causes. These include arthrosis , rheumatism , thrombosis , gout and arthritis .
But a wide variety of allergies can also be accompanied by swelling.
Torn ligaments and tendons in all joints, as well as phlebitis and mumps are also known causes of swelling. Medications, infections and inflammations, as well as a lack of protein are less likely to be responsible for swelling.
When to the doctor?
Swelling that appears for no apparent reason should be evaluated by a doctor. It is an unusual reaction of the body that needs to be clarified by a doctor. If the swelling is associated with pain or if increased edema occurs over a short period of time, a doctor should be consulted. There may be damage to the bones, tendons, or muscles that need treatment.
A doctor’s visit is necessary as soon as further symptoms such as sensory disturbances , impairment of movements or a feeling of pressure in the affected region appear. There is a possibility of circulatory disorders. If there is a loss of consciousness, bluish discoloration of the skin or failure of individual systems, medical examinations are necessary. Hormonal imbalances or malfunctioning of the thyroid can be the reason for the swelling. If the person affected suffers from skin changes or mood swings, a doctor should therefore be consulted.
If the swelling is a visual blemish, a doctor should be consulted as soon as the person concerned experiences emotional distress from the symptoms. There is a risk that mental disorders will develop if left unchecked. The swelling can be an allergic reaction of the body to substances in the environment or the food ingested. An allergy test by a doctor provides information about the triggering substances.
diagnosis and course
If the swelling occurs as a result of an accident or injury, the diagnosis is easy. If the swelling has other causes, many different examinations may be necessary to find the cause of the symptoms. A general discussion, in which possible pre-existing conditions, the intake of medication and the duration of the symptoms are clarified, is always part of the diagnosis, just like a general physical examination.
If there is edema in the legs, veins and any varicose veins that may be present are examined. Blood and urine tests are usually also carried out. Depending on the suspected cause, computed tomography , ultrasound scans , or X-rays may be done. Lymphography, which is a special X-ray examination of the lymphatic system, can also be carried out.
If vein or heart problems are suspected, phlebography is often performed. The veins are examined with the help of a contrast agent. The course of the disease and the duration of the swelling always depend on the triggering causes.
complications
Edema is water retention in the tissue, which can be traced back to very different causes. A complication seen in many types of edema is the self-reinforcing effect. If the pressure within the capillaries (tiny veins) increases, more fluids are pushed into the surrounding tissue, causing the pressure in the vessels to drop. Their level of filling is monitored by pressure sensors in the aorta and carotid artery. Low values cause an increase in blood pressure. As a result, the arteries narrow, the heart beats harder, and to reduce fluid loss, the kidneys excrete less fluid. This in turn increases the accumulation of water in the tissue.
If the underlying disease is not treated, a self-reinforcing cycle occurs, and the patient then suffers from ever-increasing swelling in the affected body regions.
In the case of lymphedema , which is one of the most common types of edema, this effect can lead to a number of specific complications. This leads to severe pressure and tension in the affected areas, which is accompanied by considerable pain. The skin becomes very tight in some places, as soon as pressure is exerted with the fingers, dents appear on the skin. In addition, the affected limbs show signs of fatigue much more quickly.
In severe cases, there is first discoloration of the skin and veins showing through, in the next stage the swelling becomes so severe that the use of the affected limb is severely restricted and is always accompanied by considerable pain.
treatment and therapy
The treatment of swelling that occurs always depends primarily on the diagnosed causes of the symptoms. If injuries or accidents are responsible for the edema, minor injuries can be treated locally with pain-relieving and decongestant ointments and creams. If ligaments or tendons are torn, movement therapy is often used after the injury has healed.
Sport and exercise are also part of the therapy for heart diseases, circulatory disorders and venous diseases, in addition to the drug treatment of the underlying disease.
In addition, lymphatic drainage, compression stockings or compression bandages and stroking massage can help to remove the stored fluid from the tissue and prevent the formation of new edema.
Various herbal remedies can also stabilize the vessels and stimulate blood circulation. If there is swelling in the legs, they should be elevated to support the therapy.
If the symptoms occur due to allergic diseases, appropriate medication is administered. In some cases, sensitization can also prevent recurrence of swelling.
prevention
Swelling cannot be prevented by general measures in every case. The risk of accidents and injuries can only be minimized by caution. To a certain extent, sport and exercise prevent heart disease, circulatory disorders and venous diseases. In the case of allergic reactions, the only way to avoid the allergy triggers is to avoid them. However, not all diseases that can cause swelling are preventable.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.