edema

(noun)

An excessive accumulation of serum in tissue spaces or a body cavity

Related Terms

  • interstitium
  • cutaneous edema
  • lymph
  • lymph node
  • lymphocyte

Examples of edema in the following topics:

  • Edema

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Examples of edema in specific organs include cerebral edema, pulmonary edema, periorbital edema (eye puffiness), and cutaneous edema due to mosquito bites, spider bites, bee stings, or contact dermatitis).
  • Pulmonary Edema

    • Pulmonary edema is fluid accumulation in the air spaces and parenchyma of the lungs.
    • It is due to either failure of the left ventricle of the heart to adequately remove blood from the pulmonary circulation ("cardiogenic pulmonary edema") or an injury to the lung parenchyma or vasculature of the lung ("noncardiogenic pulmonary edema").
    • Pulmonary edema, especially in the acute setting, can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest due to hypoxia, and death.
    • There is no one single test for confirming that breathlessness is caused by pulmonary edema.
    • Interstitial and alveolar pulmonary edema with small pleural effusions on both sides.
  • Edema Caused by Loss of Plasma Proteins

    • It is characterized by proteinuria (>3.5g/day), hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema (which is generalized and also known as anasarca or dropsy).
    • The edema begins in the face .
    • Peripheral pitting edema results from water retention.
  • Functions of the Lymphatic System

    • Fluid removal from tissues prevents the development of edema.
    • Edema is any type of tissue swelling from increased flow of interstitial fluid into tissues relative to fluid drainage.
    • While edema is a normal component of the inflammation process, in some cases it can be very harmful.
    • Cerebral and pulmonary edema are especially problematic, which is why lymph drainage is so important.
    • Abnormal edema can still occur if the drainage components of the lymph vessels are obstructed.
  • Movement of Fluid Among Compartments

    • Sometimes the removal of tissue fluid does not function correctly, and there is a build-up, which is called edema.
    • Edema is responsible for the swelling that occurs during inflammation, and in certain diseases in which lymphatic drainage pathways are obstructed.
  • Heart Failure

    • Rales or crackles, heard initially in the lung bases and later throughout the lung fields suggest the development of pulmonary edema (fluid in the alveoli).
    • Cyanosis, which suggests severe hypoxemia, is a late sign of extremely severe pulmonary edema.
  • Lymphatic Capillaries

    • Under normal conditions, lymph capillaries prevent the accumulation of edema (abnormal swelling) in the tissues.
    • However, edema will still occur during acute inflammation or diseases in which lymph vessels are obstructed.
  • Signs and Symptoms of Shock

    • With anaphylaxis, hives may present on the skin, and there may localized edema, especially around the face, and weak and rapid pulse.
  • Onset of Labor

  • Hepatitis

    • A small proportion of people with acute hepatitis progress to acute liver failure, in which the liver is unable to clear harmful substances from the circulation, leading to confusion and coma due liver insufficiency, and unable to produce blood proteins, leading to peripheral edema and bleeding.
    • Extensive damage and scarring of liver, known as cirrhosis, leads to weight loss, easy bruising and bleeding tendencies, peripheral edema and accumulation of ascites, or fluid in the abdominal cavity.
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