1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Senior Health

Edema

From About.com

Created: June 16, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Local or generalized condition in which the body tissues retain an excessive amount of fluid in the tissues. It is a symptom of various conditions including:
  • heart failure
  • venous obstruction
  • lymphatic obstruction
  • poor renal function
  • inflammation
  • fluid and electrolyte disturbances causing sodium retention
  • malnutrition
  • starvation
  • exposure to chemical substances such as bacterial toxins, venoms, caustic substances and histamine

Edema is generally treated by finding and treating the cause. Bedrest, fluid and dietary salt restriction is also used to reduce the swelling. Physicians may prescribe a diuretic medication when the kidneys are functioning properly.

Pronunciation: e-de'ma
Also Known As: swelling
Alternate Spellings: oedema (Great Britain), edematous, edemas, edemata
Common Misspellings: edama
Examples: I developed edema of my feet while traveling on a long airplane flight because my circulation is poor.
Explore Senior Health
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Senior Health
  4. Diseases and Conditions
  5. Edema

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.