Oedema is the swelling caused by excess fluid accumulating in the tissues of the body. Oedema generally occurs in the feet and ankles, the hands and legs, although other areas are affected. Oedema is not a disease in itself, but an indication that there is a disturbance in the balance of the body’s fluid-regulating system. To understand the cause of oedema is to know how to treat it satisfactorily and to alleviate it effectively.
How is Oedema Caused?
In the body, there is a fluid balance between the amount of fluid in the blood vessels and that in the surrounding tissues. If this balance is disrupted, there is a likelihood of fluid exuding and accumulating in the tissues. The main factors that affect oedema include prolonged standing or sitting, but there are also many other causes which may be associated with disturbance in the function of the heart, liver or kidney. The chief causes of fluid retention are the diseases affecting the above organs, for example, heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. There are also certain medicines which may be the cause of the oedema.
Some medicines may cause fluid retention by causing the kidneys to retain sodium and water. The general use of medicines to eliminate the excessive amount of fluid may be indicated. In some cases, the excess water is eliminated through the urine by the use of diuretics such as dytor 10 tablet as prescribed by the doctor, according to the indication of the condition of the patient’s health.
The Common Causes of Oedema:
- Venous insufficiency: Where the return of blood from the legs to the heart is inadequate and there is pooling of fluid.
- Cardiac insufficiency: Where the function of the heart is such that there is an inability to move the blood effectively, producing a retention of fluid in the lower limbs.
- Renal pathology: Where the function of the kidney is such that, due to inadequate filtration of the body fluid, a big portion of it will be retained in parts of the body.
- Liver disease: Inability of the liver to produce adequate quantities of protein, which may alter the fluid balance of the body, producing oedema.
- Medicinal agents: Certain pain-killers, or synthetics to reduce blood pressure, or hormonal therapy may all help with fluid retention.
How is Oedema Recognised?
The presence of oedema can be recognised by the visible distention of the tissues, a feeling of heaviness in the parts, or constraint in them. If that part is pressed upon, it may leave not an indented mark but merely a sign of pitting oedema. Some patients complain of difficulty of movement or uncomfortable sensations in a certain part due to swelling.
How to Manage Oedema Safely
Management of oedema depends on the exact cause of the condition. It may be that the legs should be raised to alleviate swelling, allowing for a better return of blood through the veins back to the heart. Some gentle exercise will help to relieve the swelling in some cases, but in all cases, it depends on reducing the use of salt and foods such as fish, meat, etc. The use of prescribed medicines will help reduce the swelling that may be present, as indicated by the dytor 20 tablet, which is under the supervision and guidance of a doctor who will ensure that the condition is well monitored and controlled.
