Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for oedema

by Miss Mallie Grant DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by raising the affected limb higher than your heart. More-severe edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine (diuretics). One of the most common diuretics is furosemide (Lasix).Dec 1, 2020

Medication

For swelling in the feet and ankles, the following can help: Lie down and raise the affected area with a pillow. Don’t wear tight clothes – especially shoes and socks. Wide, comfortable shoes with a soft sole and low heel are ideal. Do some gentle exercise – …

Self-care

Mar 28, 2022 · A possible edema treatment, the fatty oil of the evening primrose flowering plant has been used as an herbal remedy since the 1930s. Ginko biloba is an herbal supplement that is believed to support circulatory health. Its positive effect on the circulatory system is believed to decrease fluid accumulation associated with edema.

Nutrition

Edema is swelling that is caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. Causes include diseases, medications and allergies. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. Appointments 216.448.4325 Appointments & Locations Sign Up for Our Newsletter Symptoms and Causes Management and Treatment Overview

What is edema and what causes it?

Check if you have oedema. Symptoms of oedema include: Swollen or puffy ankles, feet or legs. Shiny or stretched skin. Changes in skin colour, ... How to ease swelling yourself. Treatment for swelling and oedema.

What medications can cause edema in the legs?

Dec 28, 2018 · Treatments include: Regular exercise such as walking or swimming. Losing weight if you are overweight. Raising your legs on a footstool when possible. 'Water pills' (diuretics) - only if prescribed. Treating the underlying condition - for example, heart failure.

How to treat peripheral edema?

Apr 13, 2022 · The treatment for leg edema includes keeping the legs up above the level of the heart when sitting or lying down, a low-salt diet, exercise to move the fluid away from the extremities, and wearing special stockings that are designed for leg support. Compression stockings may help prevent fluid from collecting in the lower extremities.

Is vasogenic edema dangerous?

Apr 20, 2017 · 7. Flaxseeds. 8. Massage. 1. Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil is one of best home remedies for edema in feet, legs and ankles. Especially, it helps reduce pain and swelling from edema due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. For best results, you …

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What happens if edema is left untreated?

If left untreated, edema can lead to increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring, and decreased blood circulation.Nov 14, 2019

What is the main cause of oedema?

Oedema is usually caused by: standing or sitting in the same position for too long. eating too much salty food. being overweight.

Is edema in the legs life threatening?

Leg swelling is a common issue that can be caused by many different medical conditions. Sometimes, leg swelling is a sign of a life-threatening problem that needs urgent evaluation. Treatment of leg swelling is different for each person and depends on the underlying cause.Dec 3, 2021

What causes edema in the legs?

This swelling (edema) is the result of excess fluid in your tissues — often caused by congestive heart failure or blockage in a leg vein. Signs of edema include: Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms. Stretched or shiny skin.Dec 1, 2020

What is the best diuretic for edema?

The 8 Best Natural Diuretics to Eat or DrinkCoffee. Share on Pinterest. ... Dandelion Extract. Dandelion extract, also known as Taraxacum officinale or “lion's tooth,” is a popular herbal supplement often taken for its diuretic effects ( 4 , 5 ). ... Horsetail. ... Parsley. ... Hibiscus. ... Caraway. ... Green and Black Tea. ... Nigella Sativa.Sep 2, 2017

How can I reduce fluid in my legs?

Home CarePut your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.Exercise your legs. ... Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around.More items...•Apr 24, 2021

Is walking good for edema?

The best weapon in the fight against swollen legs is a simple one: walking. Getting your legs moving means circulation is improved which will sweep up that collected fluid and get it shifted.

Will drinking more water help with edema?

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn't hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling.

What doctor treats edema?

Because edema is multifactorial (many possible causes), several doctors will likely be involved in your care. This includes your primary care physician (PCP) or internist, a nephrologist (kidney specialist), cardiologist (heart specialist), or gastroenterologist (digestive tract or liver specialist).

How do you get rid of swollen legs fast?

Keep an ice pack on your legs for about 20 minutes every hour over the first 3 days after symptoms start. Avoid using heat, as it may make swelling worse. Compression. Wrap an elastic bandage around your legs or wear compression stockings, which use pressure to keep swelling down.Feb 1, 2021

What medications cause leg swelling?

The medications most likely to cause swollen legs include:Heart medicines called calcium channel blockers are often to blame: Amlodipine (Norvasc) Nifedipine (Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, Nifediac CC, Nifedical XL, Procardia)Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like: Aspirin. Ibuprofen. Naproxen.Jul 15, 2020

What causes swollen legs from the knee down in elderly?

Edema (or swelling) of the lower limbs is common in older adults. The most common cause (about 70%) of leg edema is due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Other serious causes of edema include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease.

How to treat oedema in legs?

Specific treatments for oedema include: cutting down on salt in your diet. wearing compression stockings – if you have leg oedema.

When to see a doctor for oedema?

See a doctor as soon as possible if any part of your body swells up, especially if you’re pregnant or have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or lung disease.

What is the term for swelling in the body?

Oedema is the medical term for swelling that’s caused by a build-up of fluid (also called fluid retention) in the spaces between your cells. It used to be called dropsy, and it can affect most body parts. Sometimes oedema causes swelling that’s easily seen, like when it affects your lower legs, ankles, feet, eyes and tummy.

What does oedema look like?

In some cases, this may look like obvious swelling or puffiness, but at other times, it may look like shiny, stretched skin, which may also be red.

How do you know if you have oedema?

your skin or body feeling tight or full. pain in the swollen body part. a swollen tummy – if you have oedema in your tummy. shortness of breath or trouble breathing as normal – if you have oedema in your lungs.

How long does it take for oedema to go away?

This swelling is usually harmless and goes away on its own within a few days. But more noticeable swelling of any body part can be a sign of a serious condition that needs medical attention. That's why it's best to see a doctor if you have oedema.

Why do doctors check for oedema?

Because oedema is a symptom, rather than a condition itself, a doctor will usually focus on diagnosing the cause of oedema, so they may ask questions about your lifestyle, recent injuries and medications you’re taking. They may also examine other parts of your body and do tests to look for signs of the possible cause.

How to reduce the risk of oedema?

The risk of oedema can be lowered by maintaining a healthy body weight, not eating too much salt, and avoiding sitting in the same position for too long at any one time. These measures help maintain good blood circulation and minimise the chances of other health problems.

What to do if oedema doesn't go away?

If oedema doesn’t improve on its own within a few days, you should consult a doctor, particularly if it gets worse. In the following circumstances, you should ask for an urgent appointment: You have a high fever and/or are shivering. The swelling is red and inflamed and feels hot to the touch. You also have diabetes.

How to tell if you have oedema?

The main symptoms of oedema are: 1 Stretched and shiny looking skin 2 Swelling 3 Feeling of heaviness or even pain

What causes oedema in the body?

Oedema is caused by excess fluid becoming trapped in the body’s tissues, and this is often caused by fluid leaking from the bloodstream. Therefore, many of the causes of oedema have to do with things that affect the patient’s circulation. Factors that can lead to oedema include: Eating a lot of salt. Being overweight.

How to treat oedema in feet?

The best way to treat oedema is by directly treating the cause. It is very important to treat oedema because, in addition to the annoying symptoms, the skin can continue to stretch. For swelling in the feet and ankles, the following can help: Lie down and raise the affected area with a pillow.

Where does oedema occur?

Oedema usually affects the feet, ankles and legs, although it can occur anywhere in the body. Pulmonary oedema, for example, occurs in the lungs and can cause difficulty breathing.

How to get rid of a swollen ankle?

Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods. Keep your feet and ankles clean by washing, drying and moisturising them – this will help to avoid infections.

How to tell if you have edema?

Signs that you might have edema include the following: The affected area is swollen. The skin over the swollen area might look stretched and shiny. Pushing in gently on the swollen area with your finger for at least 5 seconds and then removing your finger will leave a dimple in the skin.

What is the best way to get rid of fluid in your body?

Follow your doctor’s directions for taking prescription medications. Your doctor might want you to take a diuretic (commonly called a "water pill"), which helps your body get rid of excess fluid. Protect any swollen areas from additional pressure, injury, and extreme temperatures.

What causes swelling in the body?

Edema. Edema is swelling that is caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. Causes include diseases, medications and allergies. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. Overview.

How to keep fluid from building up in your body?

In addition to treating the underlying diseases, there are a few other steps you can take to keep fluid from building up in your body: Put a pillow under your legs when you are lying down or sitting for prolonged periods. (Keep your legs elevated above the level of your heart.)

Can a blood pressure medication cause edema?

Some drugs, such as medications that you are taking for your blood pressure or to control pain, may cause or worsen edema. An allergic reaction, severe inflammation, burns, trauma, clot (s), or poor nutrition can also cause edema. Too much salt from your diet can make edema worse.

Is edema permanent or temporary?

Edema can be temporary or permanent, depending on its cause. Edema is treated according to the condition that is causing it. For example: If edema is caused by lung disease, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, quitting smoking would be advised if the patient smokes.

What causes oedema in the kidneys?

taking certain medicines – such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants or steroids. Oedema can also be caused by: an injury – such as a strain or sprain. an insect bite or sting. problems with your kidneys, liver or heart. a blood clot.

How to get rid of swollen feet?

lie down and use pillows to raise the swollen area when you can. get some gentle exercise, like walking, to improve your blood flow. wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole. wash, dry and moisturise your feet to avoid infections.

Does oedema go away on its own?

Treatment for swelling and oedema. Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause. It may include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or going on a low-salt diet.

What is oedema in the body?

Oedema is a collection of fluid in the spaces between cells of the body. Fluid leaks out of damaged cells. The fluid cannot be simply drained with a needle and may not improve if you take 'water pills' (diuretics). Types of oedema include:

What is cerebral oedema?

Cerebral oedema - fluid on the brain, usually due to infection (meningitis) or serious brain disease (stroke or brain tumour). Pulmonary oedema - fluid on the lungs, usually due to heart disease. Lymphoedema - a build-up of lymph fluid when lymph channels are damaged - eg, after breast cancer surgery.

Why do I have oedema when I'm in bed?

Oedema may be due to having to spend a long time sitting or having to stay in bed (immobility). Varicose veins and pregnancy are also common causes of oedema. Oedema may also be caused by serious conditions such as heart failure, liver disease or kidney disease.

What is it called when you are swollen and your eyes are puffy?

Oedema. Oedema is fluid retention. It used to be called dropsy. Oedema can be most easily seen around the ankles after you've been standing (peripheral oedema ). After lying down for a while, your eyes may look puffy and swollen. In severe cases, oedema can also collect in your lungs and make you short of breath.

Why does my skin itch when I have oedema?

Itching with oedema can be due to several causes. Mechanical stretching of the skin due to fluid retention can cause a local disturbance which results in itching. This usually settles once the oedema is treated. Angio-oedema is often treated with antihistamine tablets and steroid tablets.

What is idiopathic angio oedema?

This is called idiopathic angio-oedema. Although the cause is not clear, in up to half of cases there is a link to an autoimmune disorder. These include chronic urticaria , systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or having an underactive thyroid gland (thyroiditis, hypothyroidism).

Why does my leg swell when I get oedema?

Other possible causes of oedema include anaemia, pregnancy and some kidney diseases. A blood clot in a leg (deep vein thrombosis) can make the leg (with the blood clot) swell. The doctor will want to know when you first noticed the oedema, how long it lasted for and whether you have any other symptoms.

How to reduce swelling and pain caused by edema?

For positive effects, you can use parsley as following options. Add dried parsley (1 teaspoon) to two cups of water. Boil it for ten minutes and then strain it. It is recommended to drink it once each day before eating breakfast.

What is the best home remedy for edema?

Dandelion. Dandelion is considered as an excellent home remedy for edema. Especially, it helps encourage the draining of fluid and balance out sodium in the body thanks to its natural diuretic and potassium properties. For best effects, you should use it as follows.

What is the best remedy for edema in the feet?

Flaxseeds are an effective home remedy for edema in feet, legs and ankles. It helps reduce swelling and get rid of harmful toxins due to its anti-inflammatory property. For quick results, you had better use it as follows.

What is edema in feet?

Edema is also known as oedema, hydropsy and dropsy. It usually affects the ankles, hands, legs and feet. Common symptoms of edema include puffiness, swelling, stretched or shiny skin. There are various home remedies for dealing with edema in feet, legs and ankles. Do you want to know which home remedy will help you treat of edema in feet, ...

How to reduce swelling from edema?

Massage is another useful way to decrease swelling and pain due to edema. For best results, you can gently massage the troubled area with the warm oil. It is recommended to repeat this several times per day.

How to treat edema in feet and legs?

Massage. 1. Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil is one of best home remedies for edema in feet, legs and ankles. Especially, it helps reduce pain and swelling from edema due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. For best results, you can use the oil as follows.

How to get rid of a swollen ear?

Put tea tree oil (a few drops) on a cotton swab and then apply it on the troubled area. Leave it for a few minutes and next to wash it off with warm water. You can repeat this remedy as needed. Another option is add tea tree oil (a few drops) to any carrier oil and then use it to massage the affected area.

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Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment varies depending on the cause. It involves reducing the excess fluid.
Medication

Diuretics: Helps in excreting excess fluid through urine. To be taken uder doctor's advise.

Furosemide

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Reduce salt consumption.
  • Exercise regularly.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in vitamin B such as whole grains, spinach, kale, and red meat
  • Foods rich in iron such as dark leafy greens, sea vegetables, and other green vegetables
  • Foods that have diuretic properties like green beans, pumpkin, grapes, beets, asparagus, pineapple and garlic
  • Foods rich in antioxidants such as red vegetables and fruits
  • Foods rich in potassium

Foods to avoid:

  • Processed grains like oat cereals, instant hot cereals, microwave popcorn and salty snack crackers
  • Some canned vegetables
  • Juices which have high sodium content like vegetable or tomato Juices
  • Processed meat like luncheon meats, sausage, bacon, hot dogs, ham, and canned tuna
  • Canned beans
  • Processed dairy Foods yogurt or ice cream
  • Carbonated beverages

Specialist to consult

Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

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