Edema

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues. It commonly occurs in the ankles, feet, and legs, but it can also affect the hands, abdomen, or face. Edema may result from temporary conditions such as standing for long periods, or from underlying medical problems involving the heart, kidneys, or liver. Depending on the cause, the swelling may be mild and short-lived or more persistent and severe.

• Lifestyle or temporary causes: Prolonged standing or sitting, high-salt diet, hot weather, pregnancy.
• Medications: Blood pressure drugs, steroids, certain antidepressants, and hormone therapies.
• Medical conditions:

Heart failure (fluid backs up in the legs and lungs)

Kidney disease (reduced ability to remove excess fluid)

Liver cirrhosis (reduced protein production and fluid imbalance)

Chronic venous insufficiency (weakened leg veins)

• Risk factors: Older age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, chronic illness, recent surgery or hospitalization.

See a doctor if swelling develops suddenly, is severe, or affects only one side (which may suggest a blood clot). Seek urgent care if edema is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid weight gain, or decreased urination, as these may indicate serious heart, kidney, or liver conditions.