RO9 Edema Edema refers to the visible swelling of the body caused by a buildup of fluid within tissues. This condition is most common in the lower body, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet but it can also occur in other parts of the body. Pitting edema is either caused by a localized problem with veins in the affected area, or problem with your heart, kidneys, or liver function. It is identified when an indentation remains after the swollen skin is pressed. It is considered mild when it is only in both feet; moderate when it is in both feet, lower legs, hands, or lower arms; and severe when it is in both feet, legs, hands, arms, and face. Edema without pitting is more likely to be caused by issues with your thyroid or lymphatic system.

Bilateral pitting edema is also known as nutritional edema and edematous malnutrition, it identifies a type of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) known as kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is most common in children. It is a form of acute malnutrition that occurs when a person does not consume enough protein. Severe protein deficiency can lead to fluid retention, which can make the stomach look bloated. Proteins are responsible for maintaining fluid balance in the body. Insufficient protein causes fluid to shift to areas of the body that it should not be in, where it accumulates in the tissues. A fluid imbalance across the walls of capillaries can lead to fluid retention, or edema.

However, people of all ages can get pitting edema because of the risk factors which are mostly related to diet and lifestyle. Pitting edema, in general, is a problem caused by a variety of issues such as heart valve problems, severe lung disease, congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney failure, obesity, pregnancy, administration of intravenous fluids, and medications. Other risk factors include eating too much salt, sedentary lifestyle, immobility when an extremity is in a dependent location, low protein levels and lymph node surgery. Swelling caused by edema will usually make the skin feel tight, heavy, or sore. Other symptoms include tingling or burning sensations around the swelling, pain and aching in the swollen areas, skin that feels puffy or stiff, skin that is warm to the touch, numbness, bloating, water retention, cramps, abnormal cough, fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath. People who experience chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or swelling in only one limb should seek immediate medical attention.

Lifestyle changes and diet can help prevent edema. These changes may include staying active, avoiding sitting or standing for long periods, and doing gentle exercises to reduce swelling. If you work at a desk, stand up and move around for a few minutes every hour. Exercise encourages blood flow, which may help reduce swelling. Before starting any exercise it’s important to talk to your doctor first. Depending on the cause, treatments may include elevating the swollen limb, wearing compression stockings to encourage circulation, undergoing vascular surgery, increasing protein levels and taking diuretics to help eliminate excess fluid through urine. Keep your body healthy. Let out the unwanted water in your body. Physical activity can also do the magic to promote good circulation and elimination of waste. Put into practice Kumainment # 10, “Maging aktibo. [iwasan ang ala; huwag manigarilyo]”.

-PNC-ZDN Rowence Zorilla

References:

1. How to identify pitting edema

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321773#causes

2.Everything You Should Know About Pitting Edema

https://www.healthline.com/health/pitting-edema#risk-factors

3. Pitting Edema

https://www.osmosis.org/answers/pitting-edema

4. Bilateral Pitting Edema

https://www.globalhealthlearning.org/taxonomy/term/1641#:~:text=Also%20known%20as%20nutritional%20edema,after%20the%20thumb%20is%20lifted.

5. Why does malnutrition cause stomach bloating?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322453#:~:text=Kwashiorkor%20is%20a%20form%20of,make%20the%20stomach%20look%20bloated.