The list of diseases that are trying to attack the he alth of modern inhabitants is quite wide. One of the least dangerous at first glance diagnoses is edematous syndrome, the causes of which can be completely different. But if you delve into the problem, it turns out that the accumulation of fluid in the body often occurs against the background of serious he alth problems that require the intervention of qualified doctors.
What is edematous syndrome?
This disease should be understood as the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the alveolar ducts, alveoli, interstitial (connective) tissue and in the bronchi. The cause of edema is considered to be increased vascular permeability. As a result of the appearance of such accumulations, a decrease in the capacity of the serous cavity or an increase in tissue volume may occur.
Edematous syndrome can also lead to a change in the physical properties of organs and tissues, as well as to a violation of their functions.
In medical practice, there are two types of edema:
- Generalized. This is a general manifestation of positive water balance in the body.
- Local, which is an accumulation of fluid in a specific area of an organ or tissue.
BIn the process of diagnosing edematous syndrome, doctors first of all exclude swelling (if you press on the skin with your finger, then there is no fossa). In general, the results of thyroid function tests and the rate of edema formation are used to accurately determine the patient's condition.
How does the syndrome manifest in children?
Unfortunately, parents sometimes have to deal with such an unpleasant fact as the accumulation of fluid in the tissues or organs of their babies. The most common cause of this diagnosis is various kidney diseases.
Edematous syndrome in children is often manifested by an increase in the edema itself to a tight filling of the interstitial tissue and even partly such hollow spaces as the pleura, scrotum and peritoneum. The fact that a large amount of ascitic fluid is collected in specific places sometimes significantly complicates the process of outflow of venous blood, as a result of which the patient develops heart failure.
Edema in children can also occur due to damage to the capillaries, which in most cases are caused by nephritis. In this case, the child develops swelling in the eyelids, and then on the ankles and the front surface of the knees. A feature of this syndrome is absolutely normal urine and blood pressure.
As for newborns, their edematous syndrome may appear already on the 3rd-4th day. As a rule, in such situations, one can observe the development of this complication within a few days, after whichdamping occurs. As a rule, in the area where there is swelling, there is an unusual induration on specific parts of the body, hyperemia, pallor or cyanosis of the skin. Any experienced neonatologist, in identifying such signs, will definitely be able to determine the edematous syndrome in newborns. In general, we can say that such a disease can lead to serious complications. For this reason, it is important that the first few days after birth, the baby is under the constant supervision of doctors.
Causes of edematous syndrome
Edema can develop against the background of diseases of the lower extremities, the vascular bed, manifestations of certain internal complications or various pathologies.
- Increased venous pressure. Here, the key role in the formation of edema is played by insufficiency of venous valves, the consequences of acute venous thrombosis, varicose veins and compression of the veins from the outside due to tumor development.
- Chronic heart failure.
- Violation of the lymphatic outflow. In this case, symptoms such as obstruction of the lymphatic tract by filariae, elephantiasis with recurrent erysipelas, post-traumatic lymphedema, in which venous and lymphatic obstruction is combined, as well as traumatic lymphostasis, appear.
- Pathology of the kidneys, accompanied by acute nephritic and nephrotic syndrome. We are talking about such diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetic glomerulosclerosis, amyloidosis of the kidneys, lymphogranulomatosis, rheumatoid arthritis,lymphocytic leukemia, nephropathy of pregnant women.
- Hypoproteinemia, which developed for the following reasons:
- albumin synthesis disorders;
- protein loss;
- violation of digestive processes (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency);
- nephrotic syndrome;
- insufficient protein intake (malnutrition or starvation);
- Incomplete digestion of proteins (resection and damage to the wall of the small intestine, celiac disease).
6. Mixed edema.
Features of ascitic syndrome
This type of edema is, in fact, an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The word ascites itself means "bag, bag". Edema-ascitic syndrome is most common in those people who have cirrhosis of the liver. This disease appears, as a rule, quickly, but the process of its further development can stretch for a period of two weeks to several months. The reason for the unexpected appearance of edema can be diseases such as intoxication, the manifestation of hepatocellular insufficiency against the background of shock and hemorrhagic syndrome.
Edematous-ascitic syndrome can be identified by the following features:
- shortness of breath;
- abdominal enlargement;
- appearance of flatulence.
If the amount of ascitic fluid exceeds 20 liters, then other symptoms may appear:
- herniated hemorrhoidal veins;
- groin hernias;
- gastroesophageal reflux;
- swelling of the jugular vein;
- umbilical hernia;
- increased pressure in the jugular vein;
- iris shift.
Effective diagnostics
One of the most reliable methods by which edematous syndrome can be detected is differential diagnosis. Its essence boils down to determining the following factors:
- the presence of atypical cells (in half of the cases they can occur in HCC and in 22% against the background of metastatic liver disease);
- triglycerides (for lymphatic flow injury);
- amylase (helps link ascites to portal hypertension);
- glucose (determining edematous syndrome, differential diagnosis in this case works with oncopathology and perforation of a hollow organ);
- bilirubin (perforation of the biliary tract);
- color of ascitic fluid (milky, yellow, dark brown, red), etc.
Given the fact that the causes of the development of edematous syndrome can be completely different, it is extremely important to conduct a competent differential diagnosis.
Edema resulting from kidney disease
A distinctive feature of this type of edematous syndrome is its rapid appearance and development. If the patient is often in an upright position, then the legs almost always swell. In this case, pallor of the skin, as well as swelling of the hands and face are inevitable.
There are several kidney-related diseases that can cause excess fluid to accumulate in body tissues:
- jade;
- tumor processes in the kidneys;
- vasculitis;
- nephrosis;
- amyloidosis;
- glomerulonephritis;
- kidney failure.
Edematous syndrome in kidney diseases often develops if there are infections, allergies, anomalies in the structure of the organ, and intoxication in the body. As a rule, in the presence of these factors, the protein composition of the blood is disturbed and ions accumulate. Under the influence of these diseases, edema appears mainly in the morning.
Also, those who have had to deal with kidney disease sometimes develop nephrotic syndrome, in which during each urination there is a loss of about 60 grams of protein.
What does the development mechanism look like?
Before edematous kidney syndrome makes itself felt, some changes occur in the human body leading to a similar disease:
- First of all, this is an increased intracapillary pressure. In this condition, the tissues increase the filtration of fluid, and its reabsorption decreases.
- The excretory system of the kidneys is disrupted.
- Significant reduction in plasma proteins. The result of their lack is a violation of the withdrawal of water from the intercellular space.
- Increases capillary permeability. A similar condition is typical for patients who have been diagnosed with pathological conditions or glomerulonephritis.
- Violation in the regulation of water-s alt metabolism. In this case, increased secretion of the hormone leads to the retention of sodium and water ions.aldosterone.
It is worth noting the fact that edema caused by kidney disease is characterized by a uniform distribution of fluid accumulation over the entire surface of the subcutaneous tissue.
Immune-inflammatory disease as the cause of edema
Often, edematous syndrome is the result of a problem such as glomerulonephritis. This term should be understood as an immunoinflammatory disease, during which the interstitial tissue, tubules and glomerular apparatus are damaged. The development of the acute stage of the disease is typical for children older than 2 years.
Edematous syndrome in glomerulonephritis is most often manifested in the face. If severe forms of the disease develop, then ascites, hydrothoracas and anasarca may appear. The main reason for the development of glomerulonephritis are infectious diseases (adenoviruses, hepatitis B, the 12th strain of beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A, etc.).
Development of the syndrome in heart failure
In some cases, edema may appear as a result of a slowdown in blood flow in organs and tissues. This condition is a violation of the heart. As a result, fluid accumulates in the tissues, increasing the weight of the patient. Later, edema appears in the trunk and lower extremities.
You can easily notice such changes. Also, edematous syndrome in heart failure leads to a decrease in skin elasticity. If the disease is expressedbright, cracks may appear on the skin through which liquid oozes.
In heart failure, before edema develops, the patient develops noticeable shortness of breath. As for the accumulation of fluid, this process begins from below and gradually rises up the torso. At the same time, the edema itself is symmetrical and shifts slightly. If the patient often lies, then edematous skin will be noticeable in the lumbar region. For those who lead a relatively active lifestyle - on their feet.
Edematous syndrome in liver disease
If we talk about hepatic edema, it is worth noting that it is localized in the abdomen. In this case, the accumulation of fluid may be accompanied by the appearance of veins that are affected by varicose veins. The limbs, in turn, become thinner, and the body takes on an unnatural appearance. Heavy, fluid-filled abdomen sways when moving. It is important to remember that in some cases, the amount of fluid under the skin can reach 25 liters. This state of edematous syndrome is defined as ascites. Of course, edema of this level cannot be ignored, and at the first symptoms it is worth contacting a gastroenterologist, who should prescribe intensive therapy.
Edematous syndrome treatment
The first thing you need to pay attention to in case of such a problem as edema is the observance of an extremely rational treatment regimen, which a qualified doctor will help to draw up. Therefore, professional diagnosis of edematous syndrome is not something that should be neglected. If the accumulation of fluid in the tissues can be characterized as brightsevere, you need to get a referral for inpatient treatment.
In a hospital environment, doctors will be able to determine the specific disease that caused the edematous syndrome. They will also be able to develop a treatment algorithm. It will not be possible to figure out what pathogenesis the edematous syndrome has, and without identifying the key disease against which edema has formed, it is not possible to effectively influence the problem. For example, in people suffering from liver disease, the pathogenesis of ascites hides the influence of several factors. In order to identify them, the participation of a specialist is necessary.
This principle is also relevant for such a diagnosis as edematous scrotum syndrome. In this case, the condition is a consequence of several pathological conditions. The following diseases fall under this definition: hydatid torsion and hydrocele, as well as inflammatory processes.
Obviously, it will be extremely difficult to neutralize such a problem as edematous scrotum syndrome without the help of qualified doctors. Therefore, it is worth once again paying attention to the fact that treatment will be effective only with the participation of a specialist.
To achieve the desired result, you need to take care of proper nutrition. It is important to drink some water (up to 1.12 liters per day) and significantly reduce the intake of table s alt (no more than 2 grams). As a rule, for most patients, reducing the daily dose of s alt is not an easy task. In order for the period of getting used to a new tastefood passed most comfortably, it is necessary to add spices and herbs to the dishes. Up to 6 meals per day are allowed, but only if it is low-calorie and easy to digest.
After studying the condition of a particular patient, the doctor can set certain restrictions on the consumption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. In addition to diet-based therapy, in the event of a problem such as edematous syndrome, treatment may involve the use of medications that have a diuretic effect. At the same time, it is important that the doctor takes into account all the contraindications and effects on the body of a combination of such drugs, as well as other drugs.
It is easy to conclude that edema is a rather serious problem, which in most cases is the result of more serious violations of the functions of internal organs. Therefore, when the first symptoms of edematous syndrome appear, it is worth planning a visit to the doctor. This will help to quickly and with minimal consequences neutralize the problem.
