Edema

Edema (BE: oedema, formerly known as dropsy) is swelling of any organ or tissue due to accumulation of excess fluid. Edema has many root causes, but its common mechanism is accumulation of fluid into the tissues.

Related Topics:
BE - Swelling - Organ - Tissue

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Edema can occur in whole body, then it is called generalized (anasarca), or can be limited to only some parts or organs, then it is localized. Edema without a modifier usually refers to peripheral edema, which is edematous swelling from the legs upwards. Types of edema are pitting edema and non-pitting edema. The former is present if pressing of the affected body part creates a small pit that disappears within a few seconds, while non-pitting edema is not compressible.

Related Topics:
Anasarca - Peripheral edema

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Causes of peripheral edema are:

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• high hydrostatic pressure of the veins, leading to poor reabsorption of fluid
• venous obstruction, e.g. deep vein thrombosis (typically one-sided)
• congestive heart failure
• varicose veins
• low oncotic pressure
• cirrhosis
• malnutrition
• nephrotic syndrome (renal protein loss)
• epidemic dropsy
• inflammation (active secretion of fluid into the interstitial space):
• allergic conditions (e.g. Angioedema)
• any other form of inflammation (tumor - or swelling - is one of the main characteristics of inflammation)

Edema of specific organs (cerebral edema, pulmonary edema) may impair function. It has different causes from peripheral edema, although pulmonary edema is seen together with peripheral edema in severe fluid overload.

Related Topics:
Cerebral edema - Pulmonary edema

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Edema: See also ►