Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in tissues, commonly in hands, arms, ankles, legs and feet. It can be caused by issues like decreased albumin, heart failure, medications, burns or renal failure which cause small blood vessels to leak fluid into tissues. Symptoms include swollen skin, pain, and retained indentations when pressed. Treatment focuses on diuretics, treating the underlying cause, diet changes, and RICE therapy with rest, ice, compression and elevation.
2. DEFINITION
โข Edema refers to swelling and puffiness
in different areas of the body. Edema is a
swelling that occurs when too much fluid
becomes trapped in the tissues of the
body, particularly the skin, especially on
hands, arms, ankles, legs and feet.
3.
4. CAUSES
โข Decreased albumin level
โข Obstruction of flow
โข Congestive Heart Failure
โข Antidiuretic drugs
โข Burns
โข Renal failure
โข Corticosteroids
โข Medication such as NSAID, calcium
channel blockers
5. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
โข Due to etiological causes
โข Small blood vessels become leaky
โข Release fluid into nearby tissues
โข Accumulation of extra fluid
โข Swelling of tissue
6. SYMPTOMS
โข Swelling tightness and pain are common
โข Swollen, stretched and shiny skin
โข Skin that retains a dimple after being
pressed for a few seconds
โข Puffiness of the ankle, face or eyes
7.
8.
9. โข Aching body parts and stiff joints
โข Weight gain or loss
โข Fuller hand and neck veins
โข Higher pulse rate and blood pressure
โข Headache
โข Changes in bowel habits
โข Confusion and lethargy
10. MANAGEMENT
โข Administer diuretic drugs, e.g. Furosemide
โข Provide treatment of underlying cases.
โข Maintain a sodium- restricted diet
โข If edema is due to obstruction in fluid
drainage, treated by eliminating the
obstruction, e.g. blood cloot
11.
12. โข Antihistamines for allergies e.g.
levocetrizine, avil
โข RICE:- R - Rest
โข I โ Ice application
โข C โ Compression of organ
โข E - Elevation
