Concerning of Pitting Edema

Edema is swelling of the observed accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body. Edema most commonly occurs in the feet and legs, where it is called peripheral edema. The swelling is the result of the accumulation of fluid under the skin in the spaces in the tissues. All body tissues of cells and tissues that compose the cells contain. The connective tissue around the cells and blood vessels is known as the interstitium. Most of the body fluids outside the cells are usually in two rooms, blood vessels (such as "liquid" or serum portion of your blood) and spaces (not in the cells) are stored. In various diseases, excess liquid in one or the other to accumulate these chambers.

pitting edema

Organs of the body have spaces where fluid can accumulate.Accumulation of fluid in the interstices of the air (alveoli) in the lung occurs, in a condition called pulmonary edema. In addition, excess fluid accumulates in the sometimes so-called third space, the cavities in the abdomen (peritoneal or abdominal cavity - called "ascites") contains or chest (lung or pleural cavity - called "pleural effusion"). Hydrops refers to the heavy, broad collection of fluid in all tissues and body cavities simultaneously.

Edema, by applying pressure to the area by the skin can be detected inflated with a finger. If the pressure causes a depression that persists for some time after the release of pressure, as edema is swelling. , Any form of pressure, like the elastic in socks induce this type of pitting edema.

In non-pitting edema, which usually acts on the legs or arms, pressure that is applied to the skin, does not give rise to a sustained retreat. Non-edema can occur in certain diseases of the lymphatic system, such as lymphedema, a disorder of the lymphatic circulation, which can occur after a mastectomy, lymph node surgery or congenital, is. Is another cause of non-edema of the legs called pretibial myxedema, the swelling of the tibia that occurs in some patients with hyperthyroidism. Non-edema of the legs is difficult to treat. Diuretics are generally not effective, although elevation of the legs at regular intervals throughout the day and printing devices can reduce swelling.

Edema is due to systemic disease, ie diseases that affect different organs and body systems, or due to local conditions with only the affected limb. The most common systemic diseases with edema involve the heart, liver and kidneys. Such diseases include edema occurs primarily because of the retention of the body too much salt (sodium chloride). Excess salt causes the body to retain water. The water then escapes into the interstitial tissue spaces where it seems as edema.

The most common conditions that cause local edema, varicose veins and thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation) of the deep veins of the legs. These conditions can cause inadequate pumping of blood through the veins (venous insufficiency). The result was to pressure in the veins forces fluid stay ends (especially the ankles and feet).Excess liquid, then penetrating into the interstices of the fabric, which swelling.

The body's balance of salt is generally well regulated. A normal person can consume small or large quantities of salt in the diet without worrying about the development of fatigue or retention. Salt consumption is determined by eating habits and achieve the elimination of salt from the body via the kidneys. The kidneys have a greater capacity, the amount of salt in the body by the amount of salt eliminated (excreted) with the control urine. The amount of salt is excreted by the kidneys due to hormonal and physical factors, whether the retention or removal of salt by the kidneys is necessary to signal controlled.

pitting edema grade

If the blood flow to the kidneys is reduced by an underlying disease such as heart failure, the kidneys react by retaining salt. This salt retention occurs because the kidneys perceive that the body needs more fluid to compensate for decreased blood flow needs. If the patient kidney disease, which impairs the kidney function is the ability to excrete salt in the urine is limited. In both states, the amount of salt in the body, exposing the patient to hold water and edema.

Patients with impaired in their ability to excrete salt normally required to produce a salt diet and / or diuretic medications may be subject to (water pills). In the past, patients with diseases with edema on diets very limited places in salt intake. With the development of new and very powerful diuretic, it will be marked restriction in dietary salt intake is usually required. These diuretics work by blocking the absorption and salt retention by the kidneys, thereby reducing the amount of salt and water, which is excreted in the urine.

The leg veins are responsible for the transport of blood through the veins of the trunk, where it is then returned to the heart. The leg veins have valves which prevent backflow of blood in them. Venous insufficiency is incompetence of the veins coming through the expansion or enlargement of the veins and their valves to malfunction. What happens, for example in patients with varicose veins. Venous insufficiency leads to a backup of blood and increased pressure in the veins, swelling of the legs and feet. The leg edema can occur with an episode of the deep vein thrombophlebitis, a blood clot in an inflamed vein. In this situation causes the clot in a deep vein blocks the return of blood and therefore increased pressure against the veins of the legs.

Venous insufficiency is a problem that is localized in the legs, ankles and feet. One leg may be more affected than the other (asymmetrical edema). In contrast, systemic diseases which are associated with fluid retention in general lead to the same amount of edema in both legs, and can also cause edema and swelling in the rest of the body. Response to treatment with diuretics in patients with venous insufficiency Of Digits tend satisfied. This is because the continued pooling of fluid in the lower extremities is to mobilize it too difficult for diuretics edema fluid. The elevation of the legs periodically during the day and the use of compression stockings can relieve edema. Some patients require surgery to relieve swelling caused by chronic venous insufficiency.

The edema may be a problem in systemic diseases of the heart, liver or kidney. Diuretic therapy may be initiated, often to relieve edema. The strongest diuretics are loop diuretics, so called because they work in this part of the renal tubules, called the loop of Henle. Renal tubules are small ducts to regulate salt and water balance, whereas the transport of urine formation. Loop diuretics clinics are available:

- Furosemide (Lasix),

- Torsemide (Demadex), and

- Butethamine (Bumex).

The doses of these diuretics vary depending on clinical circumstances. These drugs can be administered orally, although seriously ill patients in hospital they can receive intravenously for faster response times and effective. If a loop diuretic effective alone, it can be combined with an agent, the lower (distal) operates in the tube. These agents include the thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril) or a similar kind, but more as a diuretic metolazone (Zaroxolyn). When diuretics that work are used at different locations in the kidney together, the answer is often greater than the combined responses to the individual diuretics (synergistic response).

Some diuretics often lead to excessive loss of potassium in the urine, resulting in a depletion of potassium from the body. These drugs include diuretics, thiazides, and metolazone. Patients on these diuretics are often recommended, potassium supplements and / or eating foods high in potassium to take. Potassium-rich foods include certain fruits such as:

- Bananas,

- Orange juice,

- Tomatoes, and

- Potatoes.

Patients with renal failure often have no need potassium supplements with diuretics because their damaged kidneys tend to retain potassium. In some cases, the urine volume induced by the addition of a diuretic with potassium-sparing diuretic, does not attack the layer can be improved from potassium. These are the diuretic spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium, a component of Dyazide) and amiloride (Midamor). Adding one of these diuretics diuretic regimen for the patient can prevent the need for potassium supplements. Another diuretic that can be used is acetazolamide (Diamox), the development of an increased concentration of bicarbonate (to alkaline) in the blood counter.Increased bicarbonate sometimes occurs in patients taking other diuretics.