Edema is a medical disorder that causes swelling and is defined by the buildup of extra fluid in the gaps between body tissues. This fluid accumulation can result in apparent and palpable swelling, which frequently makes the affected parts look puffy or stretched. Edema can be brought on by a number of underlying causes, such as an imbalance in the hydrostatic and osmotic pressures within the capillaries, poor lymphatic drainage, increased vascular permeability, or even specific medical conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or venous insufficiency. Edema can appear in specific locations, such as the ankles, feet, or hands, depending on the etiology, or it can appear more broadly throughout the body. Edema can impair an organ's ability to operate properly in extreme cases, which can also cause discomfort, decreased mobility, and problems. Treatment of the underlying ailment, if present, and consideration of factors that contribute to fluid retention, such as dietary adjustments, elevation of the affected limbs, compression apparel, and drugs like diuretics, are frequently part of the management of edema. People who have persistent or severe edema should contact a doctor right once to find out what's causing it, get the right kind of treatment to reduce the swelling, and avoid any problems.
