What is Body Fluid Retention?
Fluid retention is a condition that is also referred to as edema. It is a serious condition as it manifests and is associated with kidney and heart problems. Here is other information about this condition:
- Body fluid retention is the accumulation of fluids beneath the skin or in other parts of the cavity of the body.
- There is a fluid shift from the vascular spaces (blood vessels) into the interstitial spaces.
- It can either be generalized fluid retention that happens in the entire body or localized retention that happens within some parts of the body.
- It is usually common in the legs, hands, feet, and face.
- Edema symptoms are most commonly seen amongst individuals who are pregnant, those who are in their pre-menstrual phases, and those with heart and kidney failure.
- When left unattended, it could turn into a life-threatening condition. It would require professional medical help especially if edema is in the face and if the individual has a heart disease.
What Are the Causes of Fluid Retention?
Our blood is composed of a great majority of plasma. It has an osmotic pressure that usually attracts water.
- Usually when there is edema there is also a decrease or sometimes no urine output.
- It is usually common amongst women who have pre-menstrual symptoms. This is due to the fluctuation of the hormones.
- The tendency of an individual who experiences fluid retention is that they would usually want to drink fluid because there is not enough fluid circulating in there body.
- When there are heart problems, this is because the circulation of the blood is poor and there is less oxygenated blood reaching the vital organs.
- Fluid retention during pregnancy is common, especially if the expectant mom does not exercise or move around. Her body fluids will tend to accumulate in the extremities.
Edema Treatment
Bear in mind that this condition is not something that should be just taken lightly. It requires you to seek immediate medical help as it may have been caused by an underlying condition that remains undiagnosed.
These following are usually the ones prescribed for individuals who have fluid retention. It also includes remedies for edema:
- Elevating the affected part.
- Moving around and walking.
- Diuretics would usually be prescribed for water retention relief. Diuretics have many classes: potassium sparing, Lasix, and etc.
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I was just recently diagnosed with GN, a kidney disease. I am on tons of medications and I’m a 23 year old young lady who works at a restaurant. I have FULL BLOWN edema, it’s so embarrassing & depressing. I tried elevating my legs at night, but in the morning time the swelling barely went down & most of the swelling moved to my stomach/thighs area. It looks gross. Is there anything I can do to reduce the swelling to even 50%?! It started to hurt walking because my skin feels so tight.
Does your grandmother have high blood pressure? Heart trouble? Diabetes?
Is she on to any medication?
Management of swollen ankles and knees:
- Ensure that her legs are elevated when she is sitting and while sleeping. This will help reduce swelling around the ankles and feet. Also, a session with a physiotherapist will be beneficial.
- Homoeopathy remedies are effective in the management of swollen and painful joints. Give her Bryonia 30. Frequent doses. It will bring down the pain and swelling rapidly.
- An effective home remedy is garlic. Crushed or grated, garlic should be had once a day. Garlic is an anti-inflammatory, i.e. it helps reduce inflammation and swelling considerably.
- Restrict the amount of salt in her diet.