Dependent edema is swelling caused by fluid buildup under the skin, usually in areas lower than the heart. Congestive heart failure is the most common cause, and pulmonary edema can be a serious symptom. Kidney damage can also cause edema. Treatment includes elevation, compression stockings, medication, and dialysis or kidney transplant if necessary.
Dependent edema is a condition in which there is a buildup of fluid under the skin causing abnormal swelling. This usually happens in areas of the body lower than the heart. The most common sites for dependent edema are the arms, legs and ankles. There are several health factors that can cause this type of swelling.
The most common cause of dependent edema is congestive heart failure. This is a condition in which the heart muscles become too weak to effectively pump blood around the body. One symptom of congestive heart failure is swelling of the lower legs and ankles. If an individual with congestive heart failure does not receive treatment for this condition, it could produce more severe symptoms.
Pulmonary edema is a more serious symptom of congestive heart failure. When an individual develops pulmonary edema, fluid can build up in the lungs and cause severe shortness of breath. If this condition can escalate, it can become a medical emergency. Some people with pulmonary edema may need breathing tubes inserted into their lungs so their bodies can get enough oxygen.
Another cause of dependent edema can be kidney damage. The kidneys are responsible for removing waste and excess fluid from the body. When the kidneys become damaged, this can cause swelling as fluid builds up in the body. High blood pressure and diabetes are both chronic conditions that can damage the kidneys.
There are treatments for this type of edema. The first thing an individual should do is keep the swollen extremity elevated. This is the simplest way to reduce swelling and to help fluid move back through the heart where it can be passed out of the body. An individual suffering from swelling in the ankles and lower legs should avoid standing for long periods of time. This same individual should wear tight stockings called compression stockings to prevent fluid from collecting in their lower limbs.
If dependent edema is caused by a heart condition, some medications can help. An individual can take a drug that will control the heart rate or rhythm. This can help the heart pump blood through the body more effectively and reduce swelling. These types of medications are usually taken with a drug that increases the elimination of fluids from the body. It does this by pulling excess fluid from the cells to the kidneys where it can be eliminated.
If the edema is caused by kidney failure, the affected person may need to receive dialysis. This is a procedure where the individual is hooked up to a machine that performs the same function as the kidneys. During dialysis, the machine will filter excess fluids and wastes and replace them with healthy fluids. An individual on dialysis may need a kidney transplant in order to function normally again.
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