Edema

Also known as: swelling.

What is edema?

Edema is the medical term for swelling. It’s caused by bodily fluid and can occur almost anywhere. It ranges in severity from mild to severe.

What causes edema?

Fluid is the specific cause of edema. It can be related to certain medical conditions, pregnancy, salt intake and other factors.

What are the symptoms of edema?

The swelling that occurs can causes stretched and shiny skin, increased abdominal size and pain or trouble breathing in severe instances.

What are edema care options?

Some mild forms of edema go away on their own and require no treatment. Others may require medication to reduce the swelling or treatment of the underlying condition to help the swelling go away.


Reviewed by: Jose R. Rosa-Olivares, M.D.

This page was last updated on: October 07, 2019 01:53 PM