Edema

Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) Slideshow

• What is edema?
• What is pitting edema and how does it differ from non-pitting edema?
• What causes pitting edema?
• How does salt intake affect edema?
• Why does a patient with heart disease retain fluid?
• Why do patients with liver disease develop ascites and edema?
• Why does edema occur in patients with kidney disease?
• What is idiopathic edema?
• How does venous insufficiency cause edema?
• Which diuretics are used to treat edema?
• Are diuretics used for other purposes?
• Edema At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Edema - Effective Treatments

Myxedema Coma Medical Author:Ruchi Mathur, M.D. Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Myxedema coma is a loss of brain function as a result of severe, longstanding hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma is considered a life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism and represents the far more serious side of the spectrum of thyroid disease. This condition is mostly seen in elderly patients and tends to occur more often in women. There is an increased incidence in the winter months, which is likely secondary to the extremes in temperature. Myxedema coma actually causes death in up to six of ten persons affected. Thankfully, the problem is rare. Before a patient develops myxedema coma, features of hypothyroidism are usually present and may have gone unsuspected for a long period of time. These symptoms include fatigue, lethargy, mental impairment, depression, cold intolerance, hoarseness, dry skin, weight gain, change in menstrual cycles, constipation, and headaches. Most patients have a history of hypothyroidism, thyroid surgery, or radioactive iodine treatment. Very rarely, the problem is not primarily caused by the inability of the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormone, but rather is caused by the failure of the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus to correctly signal the thyroid gland to perform its normal functions. In these cases, the thyroid gland is normal, but it is not receiving the signals to make the thyroid hormone it is capable of producing. Certain factors may suddenly trigger myxedema coma in a person with poorly controlled hypothyroidism. These include drugs (particularly sedatives, narcotics, anesthesia, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), and amiodarone (Cordarone), infections, stroke, trauma, heart failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature), and failing to take thyroid medications as prescribed. Read more about this serious condition » Top Searched Edema Terms: pitting edema, pulmonary edema, lymphoma, macular edema, cerebral edema, peripheral, treatment, causes, scrotal edema, leg edema, diuretics , fluid retention, congestive heart failure , ascites , swollen ankles

What is edema?

Edema is observable swelling from fluid accumulation in body tissues. Edema most commonly occurs in the feet and legs, where it is referred to as peripheral edema. The swelling is the result of the accumulation of excess fluid under the skin in the spaces within the tissues. All tissues of the body are made up of cells and connective tissues that hold the cells together. This connective tissue around the cells and blood vessels is known as the interstitium. Most of the body's fluids that are found outside of the cells are normally stored in two spaces; the blood vessels (as the "liquid" or serum portion of your blood) and the interstitial spaces (not within the cells). In various diseases, excess fluid can accumulate in either one or both of these compartments.

The body's organs have interstitial spaces where fluid can accumulate. An accumulation of fluid in the interstitial air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs occurs in a disorder called pulmonary edema. In addition, excess fluid sometimes collects in what is called the third space, which includes cavities in the abdomen (abdominal or peritoneal cavity - called "ascites") or in the chest (lung or pleural cavity - called "pleural effusion"). Anasarca refers to the severe, widespread accumulation of fluid in the all of the tissues and cavities of the body at the same time.

What is pitting edema and how does it differ from non-pitting edema?

Pitting edema can be demonstrated by applying pressure to the swollen area by depressing the skin with a finger. If the pressing causes an indentation that persists for some time after the release of the pressure, the edema is referred to as pitting edema. Any form of pressure, such as from the elastic in socks, can induce pitting with this type of edema.

In non-pitting edema, which usually affects the legs or arms, pressure that is applied to the skin does not result in a persistent indentation. Non-pitting edema can occur in certain disorders of the lymphatic system such as lymphedema, which is a disturbance of the lymphatic circulation that may occur after a mastectomy, lymph node surgery, or congenitally. Another cause of non-pitting edema of the legs is called pretibial myxedema, which is a swelling over the shin that occurs in some patients with hyperthyroidism. Non-pitting edema of the legs is difficult to treat. Diuretic medications are generally not effective, although elevation of the legs periodically during the day and compressive devices may reduce the swelling.

The focus of the rest of this article is on pitting edema, as it is by far the most common form of edema.

Edema - Effective Treatments

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