Edema is not a disease, but a symptom of some other problems in the body. The main causes are as follows:
1. Excess salt in the diet
The sodium contained in salt causes the body to retain water. When you eat foods high in salt, the body stores more water, which appears as edema in the legs and face.
2. Heart problems
When the pumping capacity of the heart decreases (Heart Failure), the blood does not move properly and fluid accumulates in the legs and lungs. This can cause severe edema.
3. Kidney failure
The kidneys are responsible for removing excess water and salts from the body. When the kidneys function poorly, fluids accumulate in the body and cause swelling under the eyes and in the legs.
4. Liver diseases
Liver diseases (for example, cirrhosis) cause a decrease in the protein albumin in the blood. This can cause fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and cause swelling in the abdomen (ascites) and legs.
5. Working while sitting or standing for long periods
When you sit or stand in the same position for a long time, fluid flows down to the feet due to gravity. This usually causes swelling in the legs in the evening.
6. Side effects of medications
Long-term use of some BP-lowering medications, steroids, and painkillers can cause swelling in the body.
Some ways to reduce swelling:
Reduce salt: Reduce the amount of salt in your diet as much as possible.
Elevate your legs: Keeping your legs slightly above the level of your heart while lying down can help reduce fluid.
Drink water: Drink enough water to prevent the body from retaining water.
Exercise: Muscle movement can help eliminate fluid
