Water Retention Tips

Edema is swelling of any organ or tissue due to accumulationof excess fluid.Edema has many root causes, but its common mechanism is accumulationof fluid into the tissues.

Types of edema are pitting edema and non-pitting edema. The formeris present if pressing of the affected body part creates a small pitthat disappears within a few seconds. Non-pitting edema is not compressible.

Last Updated - 25th November 2005

What is edema?

Edema is an observable swelling in certain parts of the body. Edemamost commonly occurs in the feet and legs, where it also is referredto as peripheral edema. The swelling is the result of the accumulationof excess fluid under the skin in the spaces within the tissues thatare outside of the blood vessels. These spaces are known as interstitialspaces or compartments. Most of the body's fluids that are found outsideof the cells are normally stored in two spaces; the blood vessels (wherethe fluids are called the blood volume) and the interstitial spaces(where the fluids are called the interstitial fluid).

In various diseases, excess fluid can accumulate in either one or bothof these compartments. The body's organs also have interstitial spaceswhere fluid can accumulate. For example, an accumulation of fluid inthe interstitial air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs occurs in heart failureand is called pulmonary edema. In addition, excess fluid sometimes collectsin what has been called the third space, which includes cavities inthe abdomen (abdominal or peritoneal cavity) or in the chest (lung orpleural cavity). The term anasarca refers to the severe, widespreadaccumulation of fluid in the various tissues and cavities of the body.

What is pitting edema and how does it differfrom non-pitting edema?

Pitting edema can be demonstrated by applying pressure to, for example,the skin of a swollen leg, by depressing the skin with a finger. Ifthe pressing causes an indentation in the skin that persists for sometime after the release of the pressure, the edema is referred to aspitting edema. Actually, any form of pressure, such as from the elasticpart of socks, can induce the pitting of this edema.

In non-pitting edema, which usually affects the legs or arms, pressurethat is applied to the skin does not result in a persistent indentation.Non-pitting edema can occur in certain disorders of the lymphatic systemsuch as lymphedema, which is a disturbance of the lymphatic circulationthat may occur after a radical mastectomy, or congenital lymphedema.Another cause of non-pitting edema of the legs is called pretibial myxedema,which is a swelling over the shins that occurs in some patients withhypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). Non-pitting edema of thelegs is difficult to treat. Diuretic medications are generally not effective,although elevation of the legs periodically during the day and compressivedevices may reduce the swelling.

Causes of edema are:

high hydrostatic pressure of the veins, leading to poor reabsorptionof fluid

venous obstruction

congestive heart failure

varicose veins

low oncotic pressure

cirrhosis

malnutrition

nephrotic syndrome (renal protein loss)

inflammation (active secretion of fluid into the interstitial space):

allergic conditions (e.g. Angioedema)

any other form of inflammation (tumor - or swelling - is one ofthe main characteristics of inflammation)

If bloating and swelling are recurring problems for you, consult yourphysician to see if there is a cause for concern. If not, consider takingthe following measures:

Decrease your salt intake.

Avoid all canned and processed foods

Eat foods that are natural diuretics such as cucumbers, parsley,beets, watercress, asparagus, dandelion greens, strawberries, applesand grapes.

Exercise regularly to improve your circulation.

Wear support stockings.

Elevate your feet for 20 minutes during the day and an hour or twobefore going to bed.

Avoid extreme stress as it can sometimes activate a water-retaininghormone.

Drink lots of water. It doesn't add to the bloat, it will make yourkidneys work harder.

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