How to quickly eliminate edema in the elderly

Edema in the elderly may be caused by excessive salt intake, improper sleeping posture, malnutrition, impaired venous return in the lower limbs, cirrhosis, and other factors. It can be alleviated through dietary adjustments, lower limb activity, wearing compression stockings, and medication. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive salt intake: Elderly individuals may experience diminished taste sensation and unconsciously add excessive salt during cooking or meals. High salt intake leads to sodium and water retention in the body, resulting in edema. It is recommended that elderly individuals control their salt intake by using a salt-limited spoon and adopting low-salt cooking methods.

2. Improper sleeping posture: Maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods during sleep can compress the limbs and impair local blood circulation, leading to edema. It is recommended to adjust sleeping posture, avoid staying in the same position for long periods, use appropriate pillows and mattresses, and enhance sleep comfort.

3. Malnutrition: Due to tooth loss, decreased digestive function, and other reasons, elderly individuals are prone to malnutrition. Insufficient protein intake can reduce plasma albumin levels and decrease colloid osmotic pressure, leading to edema. It is recommended to consume foods rich in high-quality protein, such as milk, eggs, and fish, and to supplement with digestive enzymes appropriately to enhance digestion and absorption of nutrients.

4. Impaired venous return in the lower limbs: With age, the function of venous valves in the lower limbs declines and the elasticity of vein walls decreases, which can lead to poor venous return and blood accumulation in the lower limbs, causing edema. The swelling is usually limited to the lower limbs and is often accompanied by aching and heaviness. It is recommended to avoid prolonged standing or sitting, regularly move the lower limbs to promote venous return, and wear medical compression stockings to apply appropriate pressure on the legs, thereby improving venous blood flow and reducing edema.

5. Cirrhosis: Factors such as environmental influences and infections may lead to cirrhosis. As liver function declines, its ability to synthesize albumin decreases, resulting in reduced plasma colloid osmotic pressure and leakage of fluid from blood vessels into tissue spaces, causing edema. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Bumetanide Tablets or Anluohuaxian Pills to improve symptoms.

If elderly individuals experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to clarify the condition and receive appropriate management under a doctor's guidance.