Pitting edema is caused by underlying conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease, varicose veins, pregnancy, poor diet, and certain medications. It is identified by applying pressure to the swollen area, and if an indentation persists after pressure is released, it is pitting edema.
The causes of pitting edema are usually related to an underlying condition affecting various organs or limbs of the body, causing fluid retention. The most common underlying diseases include heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. Also, varicose veins and inflamed veins can cause pitting edema. Pitting edema can also be caused by pregnancy, poor diet, and certain medications.
Edema is swelling of a person’s body tissue, usually in the legs, feet, hands, or arms. The swelling is caused by a buildup of body fluids under the skin’s surface. Pitting edema can usually be identified when a person applies pressure to the swollen part of the skin. If pitting edema is present, an indication will persist after the pressure is released. Edema with pitting is more common than edema without pitting, in which an indentation does not persist after pressure is released on the swollen area.
The main causes of this condition include systemic diseases or diseases that affect the body’s organs. These systemic diseases can include heart, kidney and liver disease. With these disorders, edema usually occurs because the body retains an overabundance of salt. The abundance of salt forces a person to retain water. The water then seeps into the spaces between the tissue layers, where it then materializes as a pinpoint edema.
Other common causes of this condition include varicose veins and a condition called thrombophlebitis or inflamed veins. With varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, blood doesn’t pump properly through the veins. Insufficient blood flow can create pressure within the veins, forcing bodily fluids to pool in the peripheral extremities, primarily in the feet and ankles. As the fluid collects, it can leak into the spaces between the tissue layers, creating pitting edema.
Pregnancy can be another cause of pit edema. During pregnancy the uterus can put extra pressure on a major blood vessel called the vena cava which pumps blood from the legs to the heart. In addition, increased progesterone release can cause some blood vessel walls to relax, decreasing blood flow from the legs to the heart. When this happens, fluid can be retained and pitting edema can occur.
Other causes may revolve around poor diet or obesity. For example, people who are overweight or who consume foods and drinks with high amounts of salts may be more prone to pitting edema. If a person is malnourished, they may have insufficient protein levels in their blood. Blood proteins help trap water inside blood vessels. If water leaks from the blood vessels and enters the spaces between the tissue layers, edema can occur.
Some medications can also cause pitting edema. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), estrogen, some diabetes medications, and some blood pressure medications can cause the condition. Additionally, anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, and calcium channel blockers can cause pitting edema. If you suspect edema, see a doctor.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
