From Greek: οιδημα (eudima) - swelling
Synonym: Dropsy, hydrops
German: Ödem, "Wasseransammlung" (umgangsspr.)
The term
Edema is designated for the build-up of fluids in the vascular system and their accumulation in
interstitial space. Clinically, the term “edema� primarily stands for the
accumulation of fluids in the subcutis (
anasarca) and in certain organs (for instance,
lung edema and
brain edema).
- Protein-poor edema (transudate)
- Colloid osmotic edema: Missing reabsorption of tissue fluids in the venous thigh of the vascular system through the degradation of oncotic vascular pressure
- Hydrostatic edema: Enhanced filtration of fluids from the vascular system into the surrounding tissues by the rise of the hydrostatic vascular pressure or the increase in blood volume
- Mechanical edema: Drainage obstruction of the filtered tissue fluid by the lymph system
- Protein-rich edema (exudate)
- Inflammatory edema: Increase of the vascular permeability by inflammation-induced mediator substances.
- Generalized edema *Regional edema
The potential causes for edema are varied. Among others are: ===Causes for generalized edema===
- Cardiac causes
- Renal causes
- Gastrointestinal causes
- Endocrine causes
- Medicines
- Alimentary causes
- Static strain (sitting, standing, etc.)
- Lymph drainage disturbances
- Venous drainage disturbance
- Allergies
- Hereditary angioedema
- Infections
- Traumas
The symptoms caused by edema depend on the affected part of the body and/or organ. Edema of the
extremities is primarily noticeable as painless swelllings, which leads to a circumferential augmentation of the affected area and, as the case may be, a feeling of pressure. Mainly visible or palpable edema of the lower extremities is detected by a simple body examination. They are, among others:
