What are the causes of edema?

Under normal circumstances, edema may be caused by prolonged standing or sitting, the menstrual cycle, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Prolonged standing or sitting increases pressure in the lower limb veins, hindering blood flow back to the heart, which can lead to fluid leakage into surrounding tissues and result in edema. It is advisable to regularly move leg muscles and avoid remaining stationary for long periods.

2. Menstrual Cycle

Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle can affect the kidneys' regulation of sodium and water, leading to fluid retention in tissue spaces and causing edema. Maintaining a balanced diet, reducing salt intake, and engaging in moderate exercise can help alleviate menstrual-related swelling.

3. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is associated with excessive iodine intake, thyroid damage, autoimmune injury, and other factors. Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones reduces the body's metabolic rate and leads to water and sodium retention, resulting in edema. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as cold intolerance, fatigue, drowsiness, memory decline, and constipation. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, and phenobarbital tablets.

4. Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is caused by factors such as infection, genetics, and immune dysfunction. Impaired kidney filtration function results in significant protein loss through urine, decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure, and leakage of fluid from blood vessels into surrounding tissues, leading to edema. Common accompanying symptoms include proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hypertension. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as furosemide injection and spironolactone tablets.

5. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is caused by viral infections, genetic disorders, and metabolic diseases. Impaired liver function reduces albumin synthesis, lowering plasma colloid osmotic pressure and allowing fluid to leak from blood vessels into the abdominal cavity and limb tissues, thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. Other typical symptoms include jaundice, palmar erythema, spider angiomas, and splenomegaly. Under medical supervision, treatment may involve medications such as ribavirin tablets, entecavir tablets, and silibinin meglumine tablets.

It is recommended to develop healthy lifestyle habits, maintain a proper balance between work and rest, and avoid excessive fatigue to promote overall health.