The list of diseases that are trying to attack the health of modern inhabitants is quite wide. One of the least dangerous at first glance diagnoses is edematous syndrome, the causes of which can be completely different. But if you delve into the problem, it turns out that the accumulation of fluid in the body often occurs amid serious health problems that require the intervention of qualified doctors.
What is edema syndrome?
This disease should be understood as the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the alveolar passages, alveoli, interstitial (connective) tissue and in the bronchi. The cause of puffiness is considered to be increased vascular permeability. As a result of the appearance of such clusters, a decrease in the capacity of the serous cavity or an increase in the volume of tissues can occur.
Edematous syndrome can also lead to a change in the physical properties of organs and tissues, as well as to a violation of their functions.
In medical practice, two types of edema are distinguished:
- Generalized. This is a common manifestation of a positive water balance in the body.
- Local, which is an accumulation of fluid in a particular area of an organ or tissue.
In the process of diagnosing edematous syndrome, doctors primarily exclude swelling (if you press on the skin with your finger, then there is no hole). In general, the results of analyzes of thyroid function and the determination of the rate of edema formation are used to accurately determine the patient's condition.
How is the syndrome manifested in children?
Unfortunately, parents sometimes have to deal with such an unpleasant fact as the accumulation of fluid in the tissues or organs of their babies. The most common cause of this diagnosis is various kidney diseases.
Edema syndrome in children often it manifests itself by increasing directly the edema to the tight filling of the interstitial tissue and even partially such hollow spaces as the pleura, scrotum and peritoneum. The fact that a large amount of ascitic fluid is collected in specific places, sometimes significantly complicates the process of venous blood outflow, as a result of which the patient develops heart failure.
Edema in children can also occur due to damage to the capillaries, which in most cases are caused by jade. In this case, the child has swelling in the eyelids, and then on the ankles and the front surface of the knees. A feature of this syndrome is absolutely normal urine counts and blood pressure.
As for newborns, their edema syndrome can manifest itself already on the 3-4th day. As a rule, in such situations, the development of this complication can be observed for several days, after which attenuation occurs. As a rule, in the area where there is swelling, an unusual compaction on specific parts of the body, hyperemia, pallor or cyanosis of the skin are noticeable. Any experienced neonatologist, when identifying such signs, will definitely be able to determine the edema syndrome in newborns. In general, we can say that such a disease can lead to serious complications. For this reason, it is important that the baby is under the constant supervision of doctors for the first few days after birth.
Reasons for the development of edematous syndrome
Edema can develop against the background of diseases of the lower extremities, the vascular bed, manifestations of certain internal complications or various pathologies.
- Increased venous pressure. Here, the key role in the formation of edema is played by insufficiency of venous valves, the consequences of acute venous thrombosis, varicose veins and compression of the veins from the outside due to the development of the tumor.
- Chronic heart failure.
- Violation of the lymphatic outflow. In this case, symptoms such as lymphatic obstruction by filariae, elephantiasis with recurring erysipelas, post-traumatic lymphedema, in which venous and lymphatic obstruction, as well as traumatic lymphostasis, are combined, are manifested.
- Pathology of the kidneys, accompanied by acute nephritic and nephrotic syndrome. We are talking about diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetic glomerulosclerosis, renal amyloidosis, lymphogranulomatosis, rheumatoid polyarthritis, lymphocytic leukemia, and nephropathy of pregnant women.
- Hypoproteinemia, which developed for the following reasons:
- violations of the synthesis of albumin;
- protein loss;
- digestive disorders (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency);
- nephrotic syndrome;
- insufficient protein intake (unhealthy diet or starvation);
- defective absorption of proteins (resection and damage to the wall of the small intestine, celiac enteropathy).
6. Mixed edema.
Features of ascites syndrome
This type of edema, in fact, is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The word ascites itself means "bag, bag." Swollen ascites syndrome is most common in people who have cirrhosis. This disease appears, as a rule, quickly, but the process of its further development can stretch for a period from two weeks to several months. The cause of the sudden appearance of edema can be diseases such as intoxication, the manifestation of hepatic cell failure in the presence of shock, and hemorrhagic syndrome.
Edema-ascitic syndrome can be determined by the following signs:
- dyspnea;
- an increase in the abdomen in volume;
- the appearance of flatulence.
If the amount of ascitic fluid exceeds 20 liters, other symptoms may also appear:
- hernia of hemorrhoidal veins;
- inguinal hernia;
- gastroesophageal reflux;
- swelling of the cervical vein;
- umbilical hernia;
- increased pressure in the jugular vein;
- diaphragm offset.
Effective diagnostics
One of the most reliable methods with which you can identify edematous syndrome is differential diagnosis. Its essence is to determine the following factors:
- the presence of atypical cells (in half of cases they can occur with HCC and in 22% against the background of metastatic liver damage) ;
- triglycerides (with lymph flow injury);
- amylase (helps to establish the relationship of ascites with portal hypertension);
- glucose (determining edema syndrome, differential diagnosis in this case works with oncopathology and perforation of the hollow organ);
- bilirubin (perforation of the biliary tract);
- color of ascitic fluid (milky, yellow, dark brown, red), etc.
Given the fact that the causes of the development of edematous syndrome can be completely different, it is extremely important to correctly conduct differential diagnosis.
Edema resulting from kidney disease
A distinctive feature of this type of edematous syndrome is its rapid appearance and development. If the patient is often upright, his legs almost always swell. In this case, pale skin, as well as swelling of the hands and face, are inevitable.
There are several diseases associated with the kidneys that can cause excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body:
- nephritis;
- tumor processes in the kidneys;
- vasculitis;
- nephrosis;
- amyloidosis;
- glomerulonephritis;
- renal failure.
Edema syndrome in kidney diseases often develops if there are infections, allergies, abnormalities in the structure of the organ, as well as intoxication. As a rule, in the presence of these factors, the protein composition of the blood is disturbed and ions accumulate. Under the influence of these diseases, edema appears mainly in the morning.
Also, those who have had to deal with kidney diseases sometimes have a nephrotic syndrome, in which about 60 grams of protein is lost during each urination.
What does the development mechanism look like?
Before the edematous kidney syndrome makes itself felt, some changes occur in the human body leading to a similar disease:
- First of all, this is increased intracapillary pressure. With a similar state, an increase in fluid filtration occurs in tissues, and its reabsorption decreases.
- The work of the excretory system of the kidneys is disrupted.
- Significant reduction in plasma proteins. The consequence of their shortage is a violation of the withdrawal of water from the intercellular space.
- The permeability of capillaries increases. A similar condition is characteristic of patients in whom pathological conditions or glomerulonephritis were diagnosed.
- Violation of the regulation of water-salt metabolism. In this case, increased secretion of the hormone aldosterone leads to a delay in sodium and water ions.
It is worth noting the fact that edema caused by kidney disease is characterized by a uniform distribution of fluid accumulation over the entire surface of subcutaneous tissue.
Immunoinflammatory disease as a cause of edema
Often, edematous syndrome is a consequence of such a problem as glomerulonephritis. By this term is meant an immuno-inflammatory disease, in the course of which there is a lesion of the interstitial tissue, tubules and glomerular apparatus. The development of the acute stage of the disease is characteristic of children older than 2 years.
Edema syndrome with glomerulonephritis is most often manifested in the face. If severe forms of the disease develop, then ascites, hydrothorax, and anasarca may occur. The main reason for the development of glomerulonephritis is infectious diseases (adenoviruses, hepatitis B, the 12th strain of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, etc.).
The development of the syndrome in heart failure
In some cases, edema can occur as a result of a slowdown in blood flow in organs and tissues. This condition is a violation of the heart. As a result, fluid accumulates in the tissues, increasing the weight of the patient. Later, edema appears in the trunk and lower extremities.
You can notice such changes without much difficulty. Also, edematous syndrome in heart failure leads to a decrease in skin elasticity. If the disease is pronounced, then cracks may appear on the skin through which fluid oozes.
In heart failure, before the swelling appears, a noticeable shortness of breath develops in the patient. As for the accumulation of fluid, this process begins from the bottom and gradually rises up the body. In this case, the edema itself is symmetrical and slightly displaced. If the patient often lies, then swollen skin will be noticeable in the lumbar region. Those who lead a relatively mobile lifestyle are on their feet.
Edema syndrome in liver disease
If we talk about hepatic edema, then it is worth noting that it is localized in the abdomen. In this case, the accumulation of fluid can be accompanied by the appearance of veins that are affected by varicose veins. The limbs, in turn, become thinner, and the body takes on an unnatural appearance. A heavy, fluid-filled stomach sways with movement. It is important to remember that in some cases the amount of fluid under the skin can reach 25 liters. This condition of the edematous syndrome is defined as ascites. Of course, edema of this level cannot be ignored, and with the first symptoms it is worth contacting a gastroenterologist who should prescribe intensive therapy.
Treatment of edematous syndrome
The first thing you need to pay attention to when such a problem as edema is compliance with an extremely rational treatment regimen, which will help to draw up a qualified doctor. Therefore, the professional diagnosis of edematous syndrome is not something that should be neglected. If the accumulation of fluid in the tissues can be characterized as pronounced, it is necessary to obtain a referral to inpatient treatment.
In a hospital, doctors will be able to determine the specific disease that caused the edema syndrome. They will also be able to develop a treatment algorithm. It will not be possible to figure out what kind of edematous syndrome pathogenesis is on its own, and without identifying a key disease, against which edema has formed, it is not possible to effectively influence the problem. For example, in people suffering from liver diseases, the pathogenesis of ascites hides the effects of several factors. In order to identify them, the participation of a specialist is necessary.
This principle is also relevant for such a diagnosis as edematous scrotum syndrome. In this case, the condition is the result of several pathological conditions. The following diseases fall under this definition: torsion of hydatids and dropsy of the testicle, as well as inflammatory processes.
Obviously, it will be extremely difficult to neutralize a problem like edematous scrotum syndrome without the help of qualified doctors. Therefore, it is worth paying attention once again to the fact that treatment will be effective only with the participation of a specialist.
To achieve the desired result, you need to take care of proper nutrition. It is important to drink some water (up to 1.12 liters per day) and significantly reduce the use of salt (not more than 2 grams). As a rule, for most patients, reducing the daily dose of salt is not an easy task. In order for the period of getting used to the new taste of food to be most comfortable, it is necessary to add spices and herbs to the dishes. Up to 6 meals per day are allowed, but only if it is low-calorie and easily digestible.
After examining the condition of a particular patient, the doctor can establish certain restrictions on the use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. In addition to diet-based therapy, in the event of a problem such as edematous syndrome, treatment may include the use of medications that have a diuretic effect. At the same time, it is important that the doctor takes into account all contraindications and the effect on the body of a combination of similar drugs, as well as other drugs.
It is easy to conclude that edema is a rather serious problem, which in most cases is the result of more serious violations of the functions of internal organs. Therefore, when the first symptoms of edematous syndrome appear, it is worth planning to visit a doctor. This will help to neutralize the problem quickly and with minimal consequences.