About this topic
Edema is another word for swelling. It is often caused by an illness. The swelling happens when the fluid inside your body is trapped under the skin and tissues. ‚
Dependent edema means the extra fluid settles in parts affected by gravity. These parts include the legs, ankles, and feet. For people who are in bed most of the time, the edema collects in the back or side of the body. Treatment includes treating the cause of the illness and getting rid of the extra water. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Make sure to take all the drugs ordered by your doctor.
- Your doctor may give you support hose to help get the fluid back into the veins so the kidney can remove it.
- Raise your legs by putting 2 to 3 pillows under them when you sit or lie down.
- You may need to reduce the salt and water in your diet.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs to be watched closely. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Get rid of the extra water, which will result in you making more urine.
- Treat the cause of the edema
Will physical activity be limited?
If the edema in your legs is painful, your movements may be limited for a time. If your heart is weak, then your activity may be decreased. Ask your doctor what exercise is right for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Low-salt diet
- A dietitian can help you reduce the salt and water in your diet.
What problems could happen?
The amount of edema may cause the skin to stretch and tear. If this happens, you may get an infection where the skin is torn. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take care of your heart. Eat healthy and exercise regularly. Lower your risk factors for heart disease.
- After walking or standing for a long period of time, raise your legs when you get home.
- Stay away from foods that are too salty.
- Avoid standing for long periods of time.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- If you notice the edema or fluid increasing in your legs. Push the skin in with your thumb over the area with the edema. If your thumb sinks in to the swollen area more than usual, call your doctor.
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to help lower swelling in my legs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more swelling in my legs, muscle weakness, or muscle cramps.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fluid_retention ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/edema.printerview.all.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oedema/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚