Clinical Considerations
- Edema means abnormal expansion of tissue-fluid volume.
- Pathologic means related to disease or abnormal body function.
- Venous obstruction can cause edema by preventing normal fluid return.
- Decreased venous flow can cause edema by raising pressure behind the slowed circulation.
- Congestive heart failure can cause edema because poor pumping reduces venous return and fluid balance.
- Increased capillary permeability from injury can allow extra fluid to leave blood vessels.
- Starvation can cause edema by disturbing plasma protein and fluid balance.
- Excessive histamine release can increase vascular permeability and contribute to edema.
- Lymphatic vessel obstruction can cause edema by blocking lymph drainage.
- Pregnancy and older age are settings where edema is common.
- Pitting edema is edema in which localized pressure leaves a depression after the pressure is released.
- Localized pressure means pressure applied to one area, such as pressing a finger into swollen tissue.
- Persistent depression after pressure release is the visible pit in pitting edema.
- Heart, liver, thyroid, lymphatic system, and kidney disease can be signaled by edema.
- Serious consequences can occur when edema reflects major organ or vascular disease.
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