What causes edema?
Mar 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Prolonged maintenance of the same posture can impede blood circulation in the lower limbs, leading to poor venous return, leakage of fluid from blood vessels into the interstitial spaces, and subsequent lower limb edema, which typically improves slightly with activity. Recommended measures include getting up and moving around at regular intervals, walking for at least 5 minutes every hour during work, and elevating the lower limbs during rest periods to promote venous return and reduce swelling.
Edema may be caused by poor posture, improper diet, glomerulonephritis, hypothyroidism, heart failure, and other conditions, and can be managed according to the specific situation. If bodily discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for appropriate management.
1. Poor posture: Maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods can obstruct blood circulation in the lower limbs, impairing venous return and causing fluid to leak from blood vessels into tissue spaces, resulting in lower limb edema. Symptoms often improve slightly with physical activity. To alleviate this, get up and move around regularly, walk for at least 5 minutes every hour during work, and elevate the lower limbs during rest to promote venous return and reduce edema.
2. Improper diet: Consuming excessive amounts of high-sodium foods increases sodium ion levels in the body, disrupting osmotic balance. To maintain equilibrium, the body retains water, leading to edema commonly seen in the face and limbs. It is recommended to reduce salt intake and consume more diuretic foods such as wax gourd and cucumber to help eliminate excess fluid.
3. Glomerulonephritis: Immune responses that damage the glomeruli may lead to reduced glomerular filtration function and imbalances in water and sodium reabsorption, resulting in fluid retention. Edema typically begins around the eyelids and face and gradually spreads throughout the body, often accompanied by proteinuria and hematuria. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, furosemide tablets, or Nephritis Recovery tablets to promote diuresis, reduce swelling, and improve kidney function.
4. Hypothyroidism: Insufficient thyroid hormone secretion slows metabolism and may increase capillary permeability, causing accumulation of mucoid substances in tissue spaces, which leads to edema. This often presents as non-pitting edema affecting the face and lower limbs, accompanied by cold intolerance, fatigue, and drowsiness. It is recommended to follow medical instructions for the use of levothyroxine sodium tablets to supplement thyroid hormone and alleviate edema symptoms.
5. Heart failure: Reduced cardiac pumping function impedes venous return, potentially causing systemic congestion and fluid leakage into tissues, resulting in edema commonly found in dependent body areas such as the ankles and lower limbs. Symptoms worsen after physical activity and may be accompanied by dyspnea and fatigue. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as digoxin tablets, spironolactone tablets, or isosorbide dinitrate tablets to enhance cardiac function and reduce edema.
In daily life, maintaining moderate physical activity, such as walking or yoga, can help promote lymphatic and blood circulation, thereby reducing edema.
References:
[1] Xiao J, Xu JZ. Treating Female Primary Hypothyroidism from the Perspective of "Liver Yang Deficiency." Journal of Clinical Medicine in Integrative Traditional and Western Medicine, 2024, 36(12): 2319-2323.
[2] Shao S, Sun MY, Yu XY. A Cross-sectional Study on the Status and Influencing Factors of Exercise Fear in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure. Health Vocational Education, 2025, 43(05): 150-153.
