Almost everyone has experienced this phenomenon. This is peripheral edema, which can be a sign of serious illness.
General concept and causes of appearance
They arise due to the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. They can also be found in the tissue of the chest or abdomen. They are not the cause of the disease, it is a consequence of the latter. Therefore, treatment should be directed not only to the elimination of fluid, but also to the disease itself. The definition of peripheral edema is very simple: it is edema that occurs on the extremities (arms, legs). This disrupts the functions of the fabric.
Peripheral edema is divided into two subtypes:
- asymmetrical, which occur as a result of injury, inflammation or compression of the upper or lower limb;
- symmetric, arising from increased venous pressure, while the outflow of blood in the veins is disturbed.
In addition to the above, peripheral edema may occur for the following reasons: after using certain drugs and injections, as a result of heart failure, kidney and liver disease, allergies and intoxication, prolonged bleeding,due to bites of poisonous animals and insects. The reason may be the presence of a person in a standing or sitting position for a long time.
Development of edema
The mechanism of development of peripheral edema includes several phases: first, the access of blood to the points of regulation of osmotic pressure decreases. Then there is a release of biologically active substances and hormones. This process is caused by bringing the sympathetic nervous system into tone. As a result, oncotic pressure rises due to vasospasm. All this "forces" the fluid into the intercellular space. Thus, puffiness occurs.
The most common peripheral swelling of the legs and fingers.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Since these edema can occur for various reasons and as a result of different diseases, the symptoms may be different. But there are those characteristic signs that appear regardless of the cause. These are:
- affected limb increases;
- skin turns pale or reddish;
- after pressing on the damaged area of the skin, traces remain that persist for some time;
- a person gains up to one and a half kilograms of mass per day;
- reduced daily diuresis (urine outflow);
- pain in the sternum and at the site of swelling.
Symptoms may be similar to subcutaneous emphysema, pachydermia,lipomatosis and other diseases. Therefore, a thorough medical examination is necessary before starting treatment.
In order to choose the right course of treatment for the patient, the doctor may prescribe some of the following studies: X-ray, ECG, abdominal ultrasound, blood and urine tests, weighing the patient and measuring limbs, echocardiography.
Treatment
Since edema is associated with some diseases, the treatment should be comprehensive. Having established the cause of the appearance of puffiness, the doctor achieves the disappearance of the signs of the underlying disease, while eliminating excess fluid.
If the process is complicated by inflammation, then the patient is prescribed antimicrobial agents. In the case when the cause lies in an allergic reaction, they drink a course of antihistamines.
In diseases of the cardiovascular system, cardiac glycosides are prescribed. For the treatment, in fact, of peripheral edema, the photo of which is located below, diuretics are prescribed, the effect of which can be enhanced by the ultrafiltration procedure. However, you should not abuse diuretics, as this can cause its own negative reactions.
The doctor also prescribes bed rest and a diet that limits s alt and fluid intake (to one and a half liters per day).
It is forbidden to eat foods such as brown bread, cheese, canned food, sausages; the consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited. The patient's diet should include dairy products,potatoes, rice and pasta, yolks, boiled poultry and fish, coffee, tea, vegetables, fruits, berries.
Folk remedies
In the treatment of peripheral edema, not only a medication course is used. Traditional medicine also helps here, using plant materials for treatment, for example: lingonberries, water lily roots, juniper berries, birch buds and other medicinal plants. Helps relieve swelling Mint, celery, St. John's wort and various diuretics.
Symptoms of edema can be easily eliminated with beets and potatoes. To do this, these vegetables (fresh and peeled) are rubbed on a fine grater. The resulting slurry is applied to the site of swelling and wrapped in cellophane for half an hour.
However, when using alternative methods of treatment, you should consult a doctor, as they are only an auxiliary component of treatment.
Tips
And so that it does not come to the treatment of diseases, one should be engaged in the prevention of edema.
The most important thing is to pass a medical examination. You can also do physical exercises (feasible), which reduce the risk of swelling. Include an exercise to raise the legs above the heart. It also helps to avoid the formation of peripheral edema. You need to watch your diet and medication. It is important to choose loose and comfortable shoes and clothing. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you need to constantly warm up. Get rid of bad habits - they exacerbate the situation. Sleep on orthoticsmattresses and pillows.
Remember that prevention is better than cure.
