What causes edema?

Answer 1

Edema is caused by either systemic diseases, that is, diseases that affect the various organ systems of the body, or by local conditions involving just the affected extremities. The most common systemic diseases that are associated with edema involve the heart, liver, and kidneys. In these diseases, edema occurs primarily because of the body's retention of too much salt (which is the chemical compound sodium chloride). The excess salt holds excess water in the interstitial tissue spaces, where the retained surplus of fluid is recognized as edema. Idiopathic (of unknown cause) edema, also sometimes called cyclical edema, occurs most often in women and just prior to each menstrual period. The most common local conditions that cause edema are varicose veins and thrombophlebitis (a blood clot with inflammation of the veins) of the deep veins of the legs. These conditions can cause inadequate pumping of the blood by the veins (venous insufficiency). The resulting increased back-pressure in the veins forces fluid to leak into the interstitial tissue spaces, where the retained excess fluid is recognized as edema.

Answer 2

Edema is caused by either systemic diseases, that is, diseases that affect the various organ systems of the body, or by local conditions involving just the affected extremities. The most common systemic diseases that are associated with edema involve the heart, liver, and kidneys. In these diseases, edema occurs primarily because of the body's retention of too much salt (which is the chemical compound sodium chloride). The excess salt holds excess water in the interstitial tissue spaces, where the retained surplus of fluid is recognized as edema. Idiopathic (of unknown cause) edema, also sometimes called cyclical edema, occurs most often in women and just prior to each menstrual period. The most common local conditions that cause edema are varicose veins and thrombophlebitis (a blood clot with inflammation of the veins) of the deep veins of the legs. These conditions can cause inadequate pumping of the blood by the veins (venous insufficiency). The resulting increased back-pressure in the veins forces fluid to leak into the interstitial tissue spaces, where the retained excess fluid is recognized as edema.

Answer 3

edema (formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy) is swelling of any organ or tissue due to accumulation of excess lymph (lymph nodes, ducts,vessels which produce and transport lymph fluid from tissues to the circulatory system...the lymphatic system is a major component of the immune system) fluid, without an increase of the number of cells in the affected tissue...it usually accumulates in the feet and ankles
Edema has many possible causes.

Edema can occur as a result of gravity, especially from sitting or standing in one place for too long. Water naturally gets pulled down into your legs and feet.
It can happen from a weakening in the valves of the veins in the legs (a condition called venous insufficiency). This problem makes it hard for the veins to push blood back up to the heart, and leads to varicose veins and a build up of fluid in the legs.
Certain diseases — such as congestive heart failure and lung, liver, kidney, and thyroid diseases — can cause edema or make it worse.
Being pregnant can cause edema in the legs as the uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the lower trunk of the body.
In addition, too much salt from your diet can make edema worse.

Answer 4

Edema is painless swelling of the ankle and causes water retention its cause by having to much salt in your eating also standing or sitting for a long time my grandma has this

Answer 5

Edema is caused by a buildup of fluid in an area. This could be in the legs, arms, feet or around an organ such as your heart or lungs.

Answer 6

Water retention. There are many causes of edema such as over-hydration, CHF and pregnancy are just a few of the top of my head. .

Answer 7

Also some medications cause edema and keeping your legs down too long and the valves in your legs not working properly- or kidney, heart failure- too much salt- injury- burn-

Answer 8

One cause is obesity and poor circulation, causing the inability to remove fluids from the lower extremity.

Answer 9

heart kidneys to much salt or weight

Answer 10

fluid retention