The Causes and Treatment of Oedema

Many of the things that go wrong with the human body are actually symptoms of a bigger problem. For example, frequent urination is one of the signs of diabetes. Breaking out in hives usually indicates an allergic reaction. Oedema is one of those symptoms that develop in response to a bigger issue. Oedema, also spelled Oedema in some countries, is the accumulation of fluid in the subcutaneous tissues. This is most noticeable in the extremities such as the hands and feet but can occur in any part of the body including the eyes and the brain. In fact, a reported 5.5 million people suffered from Eye oedema as the result of diabetic retinopathy.

There are a variety of causes for oedema. Lack of physical activity is one. People who do not exercise or move around very little can develop oedema as the result of poor circulation. Standing or sitting for too long can cause swelling as well as heat, pregnancy, excessive intake of salt, poor diet, and medication. With these causes, medication to control oedema is not really necessary. Sometimes a simple change in physical activity or diet will cause the oedema to correct itself. Other times you will have to wait out a temporary health condition, such as pregnancy or menstruation, to pass which will make the oedema go away as well.

However, there are a number of diseases that present oedema as one of the symptoms. Kidney disease can cause oedema. When kidneys are damaged or diseased, they become unable to filter enough salt and fluid from the blood which can cause the excess to leak through the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues. Oedema can also indicate heart failure. When the heart loses it pumping power, it becomes unable to pump blood as forcefully through the body which can cause blood to pool in the limbs.

Treatment of oedema usually includes medication. One common medication that is prescribed is a diuretic. These drugs induce the kidney to produce more urine which causes the body to pull the excess water from where it has accumulated. A doctor may also prescribe changes in diet and lifestyle as a way to manage oedema. Reducing salt consumption and exercise will help reduce oedema. Elevating your legs a few times a day as well as avoiding sitting or standing for too long will help reduce the swelling. If you suffer from oedema, it is best to talk to your doctor to make sure you are not suffering from a serious disease that need immediate attention.