Edema

Edema is swelling caused by increased fluid in an organ or body tissue. There are two main types of edema: pitting and non-pitting. In pitting edema, application of pressure to the swollen area leaves an indentation that will persist after pressure is relieved. This reaction is not seen in non-pitting edema.

Causes:

African sleeping sickness
Altitude sickness
Angioedema
Anthrax
Burns
Cachexia
Carcinoid syndrome
Chronic venous insufficiency
Cushing's disease
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Eclampsia
Filariasis
Glomerulonephritis
Heart failure
Hyperthyroidism
Hypoproteinemia
Kidney failure
Liver cirrhosis
Liver failure
Lymphedema
Malabsorption syndrome
Malnutrition
Medications (some)
Myxedema
Nephrotic syndrome
Osteomyelitis
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Pericardial effusion
Pericarditis
Pregnancy
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Protein deficiency
Sodium overload
Thiamin deficiency (vitamin B12)
Thrombophlebitis
Thyroid conditions
Varicose veins
Venom (snakes, insects, etc.)
Water overload
Yellow nail syndrome

Pathophysiologic causes:

Increased hydrostatic pressure
Inflammation
Lymphatic obstruction
Reduced oncotic pressure
Sodium retention

Treatment

Some cases of edema may be treated with diuretics. As certain diuretics may lead to excessive potassium loss in urination, patients making use of them may wish to eat foods high in potassium, or take potassium supplements. In some cases, especially due to venous insufficiency, surgery is necessary to treat the edema.

See also:

Ascites
Cerebral edema
Macular edema
Peripheral edema
Pleural effusions
Pulmonary edema

Synonyms and other key terms:

Dropsy
Hydropsy
Oedema
Swelling

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Undiag - Undiagnosed Symptoms and Diseases

Edema