Edema
Edema (American English) or oedema (British English) ( /ɪˈdimə/; from the Greekοἴδημα - oídēma, "swelling"), formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or in one or more cavities of the body that producesswelling. Generally, the amount of interstitial fluid is determined by the balance of fluidhomeostasis, and increased secretion of fluid into the interstitium or impaired removal of this fluid may cause edema. A rise in hydrostatic pressure occurs incardiac failure. A fall in ostic pressure occures in nephrotic syndrome and liver failure. It is commonly thought that these facts explain the occurrence of edema in these conditions.Causes of edema which are generalized to the whole body can cause edema in multiple organs and peripherally. For example, severe heart failure can cause pulmonary edema, pleural effusions, ascites and peripheral edema.
Although a low plasma oncotic pressure is widely cited for the edema of nephrotic syndrome, most physicians note that the edema may occur before there is any significant protein in the urine (proteinuria) or fall in plasma protein level. Fortunately there is another explanation available. Most forms of nephrotic syndrome are due to biochemical and structural changes in the basement membrane of capillaries in the kidney glomeruli, and these changes occur, if to a lesser degree, in the vessels of most other tissues of the body. Thus the resulting increase in permeability that leads to protein in the urine can explain the edema if all other vessels are more permeable as well.
As well as the previously mentioned conditions, edemas or oedemas often occur during the late stages of pregnancy in some women. This is more common with those of a history of puliminary problems or poor circulation also being intensified if arthritis is already present in that particular woman. Women that already have arthritic problems most often have to seek medical help for pain caused from over-reactive swelling. Edemas that occur during pregnancy are usually found in the lower part of the leg, usually from the calf down.
Nursing Intervention
Elevate legs above the hips level
Prevention Prevention of edema is dependent upon treatment of the basic reason for the edema. Losing weight, stopping smoking, and reducing stress can all aid in reducing blood pressure. Proper nutrition can help to maintain a healthy circulatory system.
Although a low plasma oncotic pressure is widely cited for the edema of nephrotic syndrome, most physicians note that the edema may occur before there is any significant protein in the urine (proteinuria) or fall in plasma protein level. Fortunately there is another explanation available. Most forms of nephrotic syndrome are due to biochemical and structural changes in the basement membrane of capillaries in the kidney glomeruli, and these changes occur, if to a lesser degree, in the vessels of most other tissues of the body. Thus the resulting increase in permeability that leads to protein in the urine can explain the edema if all other vessels are more permeable as well.
As well as the previously mentioned conditions, edemas or oedemas often occur during the late stages of pregnancy in some women. This is more common with those of a history of puliminary problems or poor circulation also being intensified if arthritis is already present in that particular woman. Women that already have arthritic problems most often have to seek medical help for pain caused from over-reactive swelling. Edemas that occur during pregnancy are usually found in the lower part of the leg, usually from the calf down.
Nursing Intervention
Elevate legs above the hips level
Prevention Prevention of edema is dependent upon treatment of the basic reason for the edema. Losing weight, stopping smoking, and reducing stress can all aid in reducing blood pressure. Proper nutrition can help to maintain a healthy circulatory system.