What causes edema?
Dec 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Lingjuan
Introduction
A common cause of bodily edema is hypoalbuminemia, which is often seen in individuals who are malnourished. For example, hypoalbuminemia caused by cirrhosis reduces protein levels in the body and also impairs the excretion of water and sodium, leading to edema. In patients with renal failure, the kidneys are unable to promptly eliminate excess fluid and metabolic waste, resulting in bodily edema.
In daily life, some people are prone to bodily swelling. What causes this swelling?
What Causes Swelling?
A common cause of bodily swelling is hypoalbuminemia, often seen in individuals suffering from malnutrition. For example, liver cirrhosis can lead to hypoalbuminemia, reducing protein levels in the body and impairing the excretion of water and sodium, resulting in swelling. In patients with kidney failure, impaired renal function prevents timely removal of excess fluid and metabolic waste, leading to edema. Impaired blood return: patients may have lymphatic or venous return disorders—such as deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs or local compression—which can cause swelling in corresponding areas like the arms or legs. Hypothyroidism: when thyroid function is low, sodium retention occurs in the body, leading to systemic edema.
Treatment for swelling depends on its underlying cause. Nephrogenic edema is mostly caused by sodium and water retention along with proteinuria; medications to control proteinuria include ACE inhibitors or ARB-class drugs, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressants. Hepatogenic edema primarily results from reduced liver synthesis of albumin. The primary approach is treating the underlying liver disease, and human serum albumin may be appropriately administered to increase plasma albumin levels. For edema caused by endocrine conditions such as hypothyroidism, supplementation with exogenous thyroid hormones is an effective treatment.
Swelling should not be treated uniformly—the appropriate course is to seek prompt medical evaluation if swelling occurs. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you a happy and healthy life!
