Lymphedema and Its Causes

The term edema refers to the accumulation of an excessive amount of fluid in cells, tissues, or organs and is clinically characterized by swelling. A variety of conditions can produce edema including chronic venous insufficiency, infection, and trauma.

Lymphedema is a progressive condition that occurs when the lymphatic transport system falls below the capacity needed to handle the fluids that normally leak from the blood vessels into the lymph system. The accumulation of fluids leads to the swelling of subcutaneous tissue as a result of obstruction of lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes.

Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in your body (capillaries) leak fluid. The fluid builds up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. Mild cases of edema may result from: Sitting or staying in one position for too long, Eating too much salty food, Premenstrual signs and symptoms, and Pregnancy.

Edema can be a side effect of some medications, including: High blood pressure medications, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Steroid drugs, Estrogens, and certain diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones. – In some cases, edema may be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. Diseases and conditions that may cause edema include:

Congestive Heart Failure is when one or both of your heart’s lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively — as happens in congestive heart failure — the blood can back up in your legs, ankles and feet, causing edema. Heart failure can also cause swelling in your abdomen. Sometimes it can cause fluid to accumulate in your lungs (pulmonary edema), which can lead to shortness of breath.

Cirrhosis is fluid that may accumulate in your abdominal cavity (ascites) and in your legs as a result of liver damage (cirrhosis).

Kidney Disease is when extra fluid and sodium in your circulation may cause edema. The edema associated with kidney disease usually occurs in your legs and around your eyes. Kidney Damage to the tiny, filtering blood vessels in your kidneys can result in nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, declining levels of protein (albumin) in your blood can lead to fluid accumulation and edema.

Weakness or Damage to Veins in your Legs is a Chronic venous insufficiency, in which the one-way valves in your leg veins are weakened or damaged, allows blood to pool in the leg veins and cause swelling. Abrupt onset of swelling in one leg accompanied by pain in your calf can be due to a clot in one of your leg veins. Seek medical help promptly.

Your body’s Inadequate Lymphatic System helps clear excess fluid from tissues. If this system is damaged — for example, by cancer surgery — the lymph nodes and lymph vessels draining an area may not work correctly and edema results.

When to see a doctor: Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have swelling, stretched or shiny skin, or skin that retains a dimple after being pressed. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience – Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and chest pain. These symptoms can be a sign of pulmonary edema, which requires prompt treatment.

If you’ve been sitting for a prolonged period, such as on a long flight, and you develop swelling and pain in a leg that won’t go away, call your doctor. Persistent leg pain and swelling can be a sign of a blood clot deep in your veins (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT).

Edema can be treated by using compression stockings. Some people even put the stockings on before they get out of bed, to prevent the fluid from pooling. Compression stockings help move the circulation up the leg. Compression stockings should always be professionally fitted.

For more information visit: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8353-lymphedema