Duration The duration of the leg swelling also depends mainly on the cause and whether a therapy is initiated. Untreated, swollen legs that occur in the context of heart failure remain or even increase. If an adequate drug therapy is initiated, the thick legs can be significantly slimmer again after a few days. If thrombosis … Duration | Swollen legs
Swollen legs after birth Even after the birth of the child – as in pregnancy – swelling of arms and legs can occur. In order to keep this swelling in check, support stockings can be worn, and a lot of exercise and regular elevation of the legs is also important. The swelling usually goes down … Swollen legs after birth | Swollen legs
To prevent edema (water retention), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet High intake of sodium and table salt – Sustained elevated sodium intake can lead to edema (water retention).
The following symptoms and complaints may occur together with edema (water retention): Leading symptom Swelling with increase in the circumference of the affected area of the body. Accompanying symptom Feeling of tension in the affected area of the body
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Possible causes of edema are varied. Increased hydrostatic pressure (pressure in the vascular system), decreased oncotic pressure (hypoproteinemia, i.e., decrease in blood protein), increased capillary permeability (vascular permeability), or disturbances in lymphatic drainage can cause edema formation. Etiology (Causes) Biographic factors Gravidity (pregnancy) Behavioral risk factors Diet High intake of sodium … Water Retention (Edema): Causes
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by edema (water retention): Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Hyperpigmentation of the skin (often postinflammatory, i.e., resulting from inflammation). Poor blood flow to the skin over the edematous district → inflammation due to microtrauma. Ulceration (ulceration)
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes [visible or palpable edema of the lower extremity; in bedridden patients, of the dorsal pelvic region] Auscultation (listening) of the heart. Examination of the lungs … Water Retention (Edema): Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Urine status (rapid test for: pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, ketone, urobilinogen, bilirubin, blood), sediment, urine culture if necessary (pathogen detection and resistogram, i.e. testing suitable antibiotics for sensitivity/resistance). Total protein, albumin Electrolytes – sodium, potassium Thyroid parameters – TSH, FT3, FT4 … Water Retention (Edema): Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Regression of edema Therapy recommendations Because of the multiple possible causes of edema formation (hepatic, cardiac, and renal edema), drug therapy also varies widely and depends on the exact underlying pathomechanism: For acute hepatic, cardiac, and renal edema: Loop diuretics (furosemide, torasemide). For chronic hepatic, cardiac, or renal edema: Thiazide diuretics* (chlortalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, … Water Retention (Edema): Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle) – for suspected heart disease/arrhythmias. Echocardiography (echo; heart ultrasound) – to check myocardial (heart muscle)/heart valve function. X-ray … Water Retention (Edema): Diagnostic Tests
A symptom of deficiency may indicate that there is an insufficient supply of vital substances (micronutrients). The complaint edema indicates a deficiency of vital nutrients for Vitamin B1 The above vital substance recommendations were created with the help of medical experts. All statements are supported by scientific studies with high levels of evidence. For a … Water Retention (Edema): Micronutrient Therapy
Therapy for edema (water retention) depends on the cause. General measures Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on existing disease. Medical aids Compression stockings have the effect of reducing the cross-section of the veins and accelerating venous return, while improving the function of the venous valves. Important. Compression stockings must be put on before … Water Retention (Edema): Therapy
