Peripheral edema
Peripheral Edema
Peripheral edema (pronunciation: /pəˈrɪfərəl ɪˈdimə/) is a medical condition characterized by swelling in the peripheral parts of the body, particularly the legs, feet, and ankles. The term originates from the Greek words "peri" (around or surrounding), "pherein" (to carry), and "oidema" (swelling), indicating the condition's nature of causing swelling around the body's extremities.
Causes
Peripheral edema is often caused by an accumulation of fluid in the tissues, a condition known as fluid retention or water retention. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including prolonged standing or sitting, high salt intake, certain medications, and medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and cirrhosis of the liver.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of peripheral edema is swelling in the affected areas. This may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and difficulty moving the affected limbs. In severe cases, the skin over the swollen areas may appear stretched and shiny.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of peripheral edema typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies, may be conducted to determine the underlying cause of the edema.
Treatment
Treatment for peripheral edema depends on the underlying cause. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake and increasing physical activity, medication to help the body expel excess fluid, or treatment of the underlying medical condition causing the edema.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Peripheral edema
- Wikipedia's article - Peripheral edema
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