Question

After reading this chapter what precautions would you suggest to your elders about edima

Answer 1

Edema refers to fluid buildup in the tissues of the body. This leads to swelling of the legs, hands, feet and other areas of the body.Conditions such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis and swelling of the lymph nodes may also be responsible for edema. Another common factor responsible for fluid retention is excessive consumption of salt. This is a serious condition known as pulmonary edema. It is important to seek  medical care in case of symptoms such as pressure in the chest, breathlessness or any type of difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of Edema

The common signs and symptoms of edema include:

Swelling of the tissues beneath the skinPuffinessStretching of the skinDimpling of the skin after pressing the area for a few secondsEnlargement of the abdomen

The symptoms of pulmonary edema include:

Pulmonary edema can be a life threatening condition and emergency medical attention is necessary in case the following serious symptoms occur:

Chest painCoughing up bloodFaintingPale skinSweatingCauses of Edema

Edema usually occurs when the body suffers from some kind of inflammation or injury. Skin infections, insect stings or joint sprains commonly lead to swelling due to fluid retention. Under certain circumstances this may in fact be beneficial, as in case of an infection, as the fluid enables a greater number of white blood cells to enter the affected part of the body. Underlying medical conditions and imbalances of various components in the blood can also cause edema. Some of the common edema causes include:

There are certain risk factors that can increase the possibility of edema. These include:

HypertensionKidney diseaseExcessive intake of alcoholSmokingSedentary lifestylePast surgeries involving removal of lymph nodesRemedies for Edema

Treatment for edema is aimed at resolving the underlying cause. Your doctor may prescribe diuretics or water pills for swelling. Diuretics are often not appropriate for use during pregnancy however. Heat edema is fluid retention that occurs when exposed to high temperature. Heat edema treatment should also never involve diuretics as they can further dehydrate the body.

In cases like these where, conventional treatment with diuretics is not an option, doctors may recommend home care with lifestyle changes. Self-care measures greatly help in reducing edema and preventing future occurrences. Here are helpful natural remedies for edema.

Edema can be relieved by moving the affected part of the body. This helps to send the excess fluid back towards the heart. It is advisable to ask your doctor about which exercises are effective in relieving fluid retention.Keep the affected area elevated for about thirty minutes so that the excess fluid can drain. This may be done thrice daily.  Use firm, but gentle movements and direct your strokes towards the heart.Your doctor may recommend wearing compression gloves or stocking. These help to maintain pressure on the affected areas and stop the fluid from accumulating.Reducing salt intake is effective in treating and preventing edema. Seek advice from your doctor regarding how much salt intake is appropriate for you.Home remedies for edema also include consuming a glass of fresh cucumber juice every day. This enables your body to get rid of toxins and also aids in healing.Dandelion green tea is among the popular edema cures. It acts like a natural diuretic and eases swelling. The leaves of dandelion are rich in many vitamins such as vitamin A, B, C and D. They also contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and manganese. To make dandelion green tea, bring a cup of water to a boil. Remove from the heat and then add a teaspoon of fresh dandelion. Brew the tea for 5 to 7 minutes and then strain. Drink 2 to 3 cups of dandelion green tea every day.The herbs comfrey and coltsfoot are also common home remedies for swelling.Warm mustard oil helps to alleviate swelling and may be applied to the affected areas. Instead of using oil, you can even soak some mustard seeds in water and immerse the affected area in the solution.Apple cider vinegar is believed to help in treating edema because it aids in removal of excess fluids.Add a couple of tablespoons of coriander seeds to boiling water and consume for relief from edema.You can use a cold pack to alleviate swelling due to sprains. Place some crushed ice in a plastic bag and place it over the affected area. You can even make use of cold gel packs for this purpose.For edema that occurs due to insect bites or stings, tea tree oil is a beneficial remedy.
Flax seeds are another effective remedy for edema. Crush some flax seeds into a powder and sprinkle over food. You can also apply flax seed oil to the affected area.Diet for Edema 
The main step in treating edema is to reduce your consumption of salt. Restrict salt intake to below 2100 mg of sodium per day. Eating salty foods can cause edema to worsen.Make sure that you drink plenty of water every day.