Almost every person has encountered this phenomenon. We are talking about peripheral edema, which can be a sign of serious illness.
General concept and causes of occurrence
They arise due to the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. May also be found in fiber in the chest or abdomen. They are not the cause of the disease, it is a consequence of the latter. Therefore, treatment should be aimed not only at eliminating the fluid, but also at the disease itself. The definition of peripheral edema is very simple: it is edema that occurs on the limbs (arms, legs). In this case, tissue functions are impaired.
Peripheral edema is divided into two subspecies:
- asymmetrical, which arise as a result of trauma, inflammation or compression of the upper or lower limb;
- symmetrical, arising due to increased venous pressure, while the outflow of blood in the veins is disrupted.
In addition to the above, peripheral edema can occur for the following reasons: after using certain drugs and injections, as a result of heart failure, kidney and liver disease, allergies and intoxication, prolonged bleeding due to bites of poisonous animals and insects. The reason may serve as a person in a standing or sitting position for a long time.
Development of edema
The mechanism of development of peripheral edema includes several phases: first, the access of blood to the points of regulation of osmotic pressure decreases. Then there is a release of biologically active substances and hormones. This process is caused by the toning of the sympathetic nervous system. As a result, oncotic pressure rises due to spasms of blood vessels. All this "forces" the fluid into the intercellular space. Thus, swelling occurs.
The most common peripheral edema of the legs and fingers.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Since these edema can occur for various reasons and as a result of various diseases, the symptoms can be different. But there are those characteristic signs that appear regardless of the cause. These are the following:
- the affected limb increases;
- integuments become pale or reddish;
- after pressing on the damaged area of the skin there are traces that persist for some time;
- a day a person gains up to one and a half kilograms of weight;
- daily diuresis decreases (outflow of urine);
- there are pain in the sternum and at the site of puffiness.
Symptoms may be similar to subcutaneous emphysema, pachydermia, lipomatosis and other diseases. Therefore, before starting treatment, a thorough medical examination is necessary.
In order to choose the right course of treatment for the patient, the doctor may prescribe some of the following studies: X-ray, ECG, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, blood and urine tests, patient weighing and limb measurement, echocardiography.
Treatment
Since edema is associated with certain diseases, the treatment should be comprehensive. Having established the cause of the appearance of puffiness, the doctor achieves the disappearance of signs of the underlying disease, while eliminating excess fluid.
If the process is complicated by inflammation, then antimicrobials are prescribed to the patient. In the case when the reason lies in an allergic reaction, they take a course of antihistamines.
In diseases of the cardiovascular system, cardiac glycosides are prescribed. To treat, in fact, peripheral edema, the photo of which is located below, diuretics are prescribed, the effect of which can be enhanced by the ultrafiltration procedure. However, diuretic drugs should not be abused, as this can cause their negative reactions.
The doctor also prescribes bed rest and diet, which limits the use of salt and liquid (up to one and a half liters per day).
It is forbidden to use such products as brown bread, cheese, canned food, sausages; drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited. The patient's diet should include dairy products, potatoes, rice and pasta, yolks, boiled poultry and fish, coffee, tea, vegetables, fruits, berries.
Folk remedies
In the treatment of peripheral edema, not only a medical course is used. Traditional medicine, which uses plant raw materials for treatment , such as lingonberries, water lily roots, juniper fruits, birch buds and other medicinal plants, also helps. Helps relieve swelling of mint, celery, St. John's wort and various diuretic fees.
Symptoms of edema can be easily eliminated with beets and potatoes. To do this, these vegetables (fresh and peeled) are rubbed on a fine grater. The resulting slurry is applied to the site of edema and wrapped in cellophane for half an hour.
However, when using alternative methods of treatment, you should consult a doctor, since they are only an auxiliary component of treatment.
Advice
And so that the case does not reach the treatment of diseases, the prevention of edema should be addressed.
The most important thing is to undergo a medical examination. You can also perform physical exercises (feasible), which reduce the risk of puffiness. Turn on the exercise of raising your legs above the heart. It also helps to avoid the formation of peripheral edema. It is necessary to monitor your diet and medication. It is important to choose loose and comfortable shoes and clothes. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you need to constantly work out. Get rid of bad habits - they exacerbate the situation. Sleep on orthopedic mattresses and pillows.
Remember that prevention is better than cure.