Heat edema

Heat Edema

Heat edema (pronunciation: /hiːt iːˈdiːmə/) is a condition characterized by swelling, particularly in the lower extremities, due to exposure to high temperatures. It is a form of edema that typically occurs in individuals who are not acclimatized to hot environments.

Etymology

The term "heat edema" is derived from the Greek word "oidēma" meaning swelling, and the English word "heat", referring to high temperatures.

Causes

Heat edema is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the skin in response to heat, which can lead to fluid leakage into the surrounding tissues. This is often exacerbated by prolonged standing or walking, which can increase blood flow to the lower extremities and further contribute to fluid accumulation.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of heat edema is swelling, particularly in the ankles and feet. This can be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the affected areas. In some cases, the skin over the swollen areas may appear shiny or stretched.

Treatment

Treatment for heat edema primarily involves rest and elevation of the affected limbs. Cooling measures, such as applying cold compresses or immersing the affected areas in cool water, can also be beneficial. In severe cases, diuretic medications may be prescribed to help reduce fluid accumulation.

Prevention

Prevention of heat edema involves avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly for individuals who are not acclimatized to such conditions. Regular breaks from standing or walking, as well as the use of compression stockings, can also help to prevent fluid accumulation in the lower extremities.

Related Terms

• Edema
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heat Stroke
• Heat Syncope

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Heat edema
• Wikipedia's article - Heat edema

This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

---

Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski