How does oedema affect water balance

These could include Angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, and diuretics or water tablets to decrease fluid congestion. From your consultation, through treatment and follow-up, London Medical will be there to support you physically, mentally and emotionally, every step of the way. Our expert multidisciplinary team will help educate you about your condition and will always involve you in decisions about your treatment and care. Fluid balance can be part of controlling oedema for some people, and cutting down on salt can also help.

The specialist dieticians and nurses at London Medical will provide individual guidance and nutritional advice so that you can stay healthy and hydrated.

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes oedema and swelling in the tissues. It can happen anywhere, but the arms and legs are most commonly affected. The area affected becomes swollen, heavy and uncomfortable and if the condition gets worse the skin can be damaged and fluid can seep out.

Lymphoedema can be hereditary or it can develop because of an infection, injury, cancer surgery, leg inflammation or immobility. Lymphoedema can be uncomfortable and disfiguring, but picking it up early and treating it effectively can prevent it getting worse. Edema is the American spelling, whereas oedema is usually used in the UK.

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Oedema of the Feet and Ankles. What is oedema? Fluid passes into the lungs and body tissues, causing breathlessness and progressive swelling in the feet and ankles. Accident or injury causing a strain or sprain. A reaction to an insect bite or sting. An infection. Lymphoedema, which is an abnormal collection of lymph fluid.

Problems with the kidneys or liver. A DVT: A potentially serious blood clot in the deep blood vessels of the leg. Medications including blood pressure tablets, contraceptive pills, antidepressants and steroids. When oedema is an emergency Some swelling cannot wait for a routine appointment and investigations. You should call or contact London Medical for urgent care if you develop sudden oedema and: The swelling is on one side only, especially if there has been no history of injury.

The skin retains fluid and swells in response to burn injuries menstrual cycle — some women experience oedema in the two weeks prior to menstruation pregnancy — hormones encourage the body to hold onto excess fluid the pill — oral contraceptives that include oestrogen can trigger fluid retention dietary deficiency — such as insufficient protein or vitamin B1 thiamine in the diet medications — certain drugs, including high blood pressure medication antihypertensives , corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs are known to cause fluid retention chronic venous insufficiency — weakened valves in the veins of the legs fail to efficiently return blood to the heart.

The pooling of blood can result in varicose veins. Medical conditions that may cause fluid retention Fluid retention may be a symptom of serious underlying conditions, including: kidney disease — such as nephrotic syndrome and acute glomerulonephritis heart failure — if the heart does not pump effectively, the body compensates in various ways.

In some cases, the reaction is severe anaphylaxis and requires urgent medical attention. Diagnosis of fluid retention The underlying cause of the oedema must be found before treatment can begin. Diagnostic tests may include: physical examination medical history detailed questioning about the fluid retention, such as when it started, any factors that worsen the swelling and whether it is constant or intermittent blood tests urine tests liver function tests kidney function tests chest x-ray heart function tests, such as electrocardiogram ECG.

Treatment for fluid retention Depending on the cause, treatment may include: a low-salt diet diuretics water pills treatment for the underlying medical condition: for example, hormone replacement thyroxine in the case of hypothyroidism lifestyle changes in response to the underlying medical condition: for example, avoidance of alcohol if liver disease is the cause changes to medication or dosage, if drugs are the cause dietary adjustments, if malnutrition is the cause ongoing medical supervision aids such as support stockings.

Avoid foods like potato chips and salted peanuts. Vitamin B6 pyridoxine is thought to help in cases of mild fluid retention. Good sources of vitamin B6 include brown rice and red meat. Vitamin B5 pantothenic acid , calcium and vitamin D help the body to excrete excess fluids. Include fresh fruits and low-fat dairy foods in your daily diet. Supplements may help in the case of fluid retention caused by the menstrual cycle: for example calcium, magnesium, manganese, evening primrose oil and chaste tree.

Herbal diuretics include dandelion leaf, corn silk and horsetail. Make sure to discuss the use of supplements with your doctor or health care professional, particularly if you are on any type of medication.

Drink plenty of water. It may sound contradictory, but a well-hydrated body is less likely to retain fluid. Cut back on dehydrating drinks such as tea, coffee and alcohol. Disorders of water metabolism. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 8. Hall JE. Urine concentration and dilution: regulation of extracellular fluid osmolarity and sodium concentration.

In: Hall JE, ed. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; chap Updated by: David C. Editorial team. Fluid imbalance. Many medical problems can cause fluid imbalance: After surgery, the body usually retains large amounts of fluid for several days, causing swelling of the body.