Oedema
Causes of oedema
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
It's normal to havesome swelling in yourlegs at the end of the day, particularly if you've been sitting or standing for long periods.
Oedema is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. It can occur as a result of the following conditions or treatments:
- pregnancy
- Chronic kidney disease
- heart failure
- chronic lung disease
- thyroid disease
- liver disease
- malnutrition
- medication, such as corticosteroids or medicine for high blood pressure (hypertension)
- the contraceptive pill
Immobility and standing for long periods are the twomost common causes of oedema in the legs.
Other possible causes include:
- a blood clot
- severe varicose veins
- a leginjury or leg surgery
- burns to the skin
Articles for Oedema
Causes of oedema
It's normal to havesome swelling in yourlegs at the end of the day, particularly if you've been sitting or standing for long periods. Oedema is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. It c
Introduction
Read about oedema (dropsy), which is the medical term for fluid retention in the body. Oedema often causes swelling in the feet and ankles.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema isswelling in the legs caused by ablockage in the lymphatic system, or an inherited condition. The lymphatic system consists of a series of lymph nodes (glands) connected by a network of
Treating oedema
Oedema is often temporary and clears up by itself. For example, if you've been standing up fortoo long on a hot day, your ankles may swell up until you get the chance to put your feet up and rest. If
Types of oedema
Oedemais most common in the feet and ankles. This is known as peripheral oedema. Other types of oedema include: cerebral oedema affecting the brain pulmonary oedema affecting the lungs macular oe