Generalized edema is swelling in various parts of the body, with ankle edema being the most common. It can indicate serious conditions such as kidney failure and heart disease. Edema is caused by fluid retention and can occur in immobile individuals, during pregnancy, and as a side effect of surgery or medication. Limiting salt intake may help prevent edema.
Generalized edema is a term used to describe swelling of various areas within the body. Ankle edema is the most common type of this swelling, although generalized edema can occur around any joint or part of the body. The presence of edema usually indicates a serious condition or disease. Generalized edema can indicate several diseases, such as kidney failure and heart disease.
When swelling occurs within body tissues, the area generally becomes swollen due to fluid retention. Edema can cause excess fluid to become trapped in body cavities. Swollen hands, feet, arms and legs can be symptoms of oedema.
In cases where the ankle and foot are involved, inflammation and swelling can prevent the patient from walking comfortably. When edema manifests as cerebral edema, the resulting pressure that builds up on the brain can be life-threatening. Diabetic patients can suffer from edema affecting the eyes and vision. If not corrected, the pressure inside the eye can affect vision or lead to blindness.
It is common for individuals who are immobile and do not walk or exercise to develop some form of generalized or local edema. In some cases, blood clots may also develop in conjunction with swelling and edema. Those who have jobs that require standing or sitting for very long periods of time are also at higher risk for this condition
Generalized or local edema can be a side effect of surgical procedures. The surgery site is typically prone to post-operative swelling. This is especially true for invasive surgeries that require longer healing times. Oral surgery and dental work can also cause edema.
Pregnant women naturally retain excess fluids. Therefore, it is not uncommon to develop local or even generalized edema during the last trimester of pregnancy. Typically, any swelling that occurs during pregnancy should be relieved after delivery.
During menstruation, a woman is more likely to develop symptoms of edema. This leads to water weight gain and excessive fluid retention. This is generally not a serious condition and for most women the edema resolves after the menstrual cycle is complete.
Other circumstances can also cause generalized edema or local swelling. A woman who is taking birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, can often experience bloating and weight gain. This is usually due to the estrogen levels contained in contraceptives. Hormonal imbalances, as well as the onset of menopause, can also cause symptoms of edema in some individuals.
Some people predisposed or more prone to developing swelling and oedema, may be advised to limit their salt intake. This is because sodium is known to cause water retention in some individuals. The same effect can occur in some people who are deficient in certain B vitamins.
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