Edema is simply swelling that is caused by excessive fluid that is trapped in the body’s tissues. Edema may affect any portion of the body, but it is most usually noticed in the arms, hands, legs and ankles.

Edema may be caused by pregnancy, medication, or some underlying disease for instance, heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver or kidney disease.

Edema is able to be relieved by taking drugs that remove the excessive fluid and reducing or stopping salt in the diet.

Symptoms and signs of edema include stretched or shiny skin, swelling or puffiness of the tissue right beneath the skin, skin that retains a dimple after being pressed for several seconds, as well as increased size abdominally.

This swelling happens when the tiny blood vessels in the body known as capillaries leak fluid and this fluid will build up in the surrounding tissues which lead to swelling. Mild cases of edema might be caused from: sitting or staying in one position for too long a period, premenstrual symptoms and signs, eating too much food with salt, and pregnancy.

Edema might be side effects of some drugs, including: calcium channel blockers, drugs that open blood vessels, estrogens, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as certain diabetes medications referred to as thiazolidinediones.