A CASE

PRESENTATION IN
EDEMA

JOENALYN T. DIZON
Student
 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EDEMA

1. What is edema?

 Edema is an abnormal accumulation

of fluid in the interstitium, located
beneath the skin and in the cavities
of the body.
 Edema is a normal response of the
body to inflammation or injury. For
example, a twisted ankle, a bee sting,
or a skin infection will all result in
edema in the involved area.
 In some cases, such as in an
infection, this may be beneficial.
Increased fluid from the blood
vessels allows more infection-
fighting white blood cells to enter
the affected area.

2. What are the symptoms of edema?

Symptoms of edema will depend on the amount of swelling you have and
where you have it. Usually a person with edema may notice:
 swollen, stretched, and shiny skin
 skin that retains a dimple after being pressed for a few seconds
 puffiness of the ankles, face, or eyes
 aching body parts and stiff joints
 weight gain or loss
 fuller hand and neck veins
 higher pulse rate and blood pressure
 headache
 abdominal pain
 changes in bowel habits
 nausea and vomiting
 confusion and lethargy
 visual abnormalities

3. What are the causes of edema?

Five factors can contribute to the formation of edema:
a. Increased hydrostatic pressure
b. Reduced plasma oncotic pressure
c. Increased blood vessel wall permeability e.g. INFLAMMATION
d. Obstruction of fluid clearance in the lymphatic system
e. Changes in the water retaining properties of the tissues themselves. Raised hydrostatic
pressure often reflects retention of water and sodium by the kidney
 (1) (2)

(3) (4)

(5) (6)
 (7) (8)

4. How are the cases of edema diagnosed?

Your doctor can tell whether you have edema by examining you and asking you of your
medical history. The skin over the swollen area may be stretched and shiny. Pushing gently
on the swollen area for about 15 seconds will leave a dimple. This information is often
enough to determine the underlying cause of your edema. However, in some cases, X-rays,
ultrasound exams, magnetic resonance imaging, blood tests or urine analysis may be
necessary.

5. What is the medical treatment for edema?

Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by raising the
affected limb higher than your heart.

More-severe edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the
form of urine (diuretics). One of the most common diuretics is furosemide (Lasix). However,
your doctor will determine whether these types of medications are a good option for you
based on your personal medical history.

Long-term management typically focuses on treating the underlying cause of the swelling. If
edema occurs as a result of medication use, your doctor may adjust your prescription or
check for an alternative medication that doesn't cause edema.

6. How can edema be prevented?

Depending on what it causing your edema, you may not be able to prevent it from
happening. If your edema is caused by health problems, such as congestive heart
failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, you will not be able to prevent it, only manage
it. If your edema is caused by eating too much salt, you will be able to prevent it by
eating less salt.
7. Can edema be cured?
Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by
raising the affected limb higher than your heart. More-severe edema may
be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine
(diuretics). This is also called a water pill. These pills help flush salt and extra fluid
out of your body through your urine.

8. How is edema treated?

Your doctor will ask you questions, conduct a full exam, and might order tests to
determine why you have edema.

Edema can be temporary or permanent, depending on its cause. Edema is treated

according to the condition that is causing it. For example:

 If edema is caused by lung disease, such as emphysema or

chronic bronchitis, quitting smoking would be advised if the patient
smokes.
 For patients with chronic heart failure, these measures would be advised:
treating coronary artery disease; monitoring weight, fluid, and salt intake;
and cutting down on excess alcohol.
 If the cause is related to a medication, stopping the medication will cause
the swelling to resolve. Talk to your doctor before stopping any
medication.

In addition to treating the underlying diseases, there are a few other steps you can
take to keep fluid from building up in your body:

 Put a pillow under your legs when you are lying down or sitting for
prolonged periods. (Keep your legs elevated above the level of your heart.)
 Do not sit or stand for long periods of time without moving.
 Wear support stockings, which put pressure on your legs and keep fluids
from collecting in your legs and ankles. These stockings can be purchased
at most drugstores.
 Ask your doctor about limiting your salt intake.
 Follow your doctor’s directions for taking prescription medications. Your
doctor might want you to take a diuretic (commonly called a "water pill"),
which helps your body get rid of excess fluid.

Other important tips:

 Protect any swollen areas from additional pressure, injury, and extreme
temperatures. Injury to the skin over swollen areas takes longer to heal
and is more likely to become infected.
 Call your doctor immediately if you have any pain, redness, or heat in a
swollen area; have an open sore; or experience shortness of breath or
swelling of only one limb.