OEDEMA/ EDEMA

When i was pregnant, i was often disturbed by oedema and it kept me visiting my doctor until i made peace with the fact that oedema is normal in pregnancy. I have come up with this write up inorder to help a lady out there that may be facing the same scenario. Here are a few things that you may need to know about oedema that may help you keep calm incase you experience it. Ofcourse there's alot more information that is not here but this can be a start up for you.

Oedema also known as edema but in this case im going to use the term oedema. Oedema is caused by the accumulation of fluid in a part of the body. It is usually caused by fluid leaking from the bloodstream. It is often accompanied by inflammation and usually affects the feet, ankles and legs.

Symptoms of oedema; these depend on the cause of the oedema and usually develop gradually. These symptoms include but arenot limited to; stretched and shiny looking skin, swelling, nausea and vomiting, feeling of heaviness or even pain, skin that retains dimple after being pressed, visual abnormalities, etc.

Skin with dimple after being pressed. This is also known as pitting oedema.

Types of oedema

1. Pulmonary oedema. This affects the lungs makimg breathing difficult. This is a medical emergency

2. Celebral oedema. This occurs on the brain and the symptoms include headache, neck pain or stiffness, partial vision loss. This is actually life threatening

3. Macular oedema. Its a serious complication of diabetic retinopathy. A person may notice change to their central vision and how they see colors.

4. Peripheral oedema. This is the swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, hands and arms. This is the commonest form of oedema.

Extreme Peripheral oedema

Causes of oedema
Oedema occurs when something disrupts the usual balance of fluids in your cells.
Note that there are different causes of oedema depending on the different types and there is always an underlying disease or condition that brings about oedema and these include;

1. Eating alot of salt
2. Being over weight
3. Liver problems
4. Kidney problems
5. Sitting or standing for a long time
6. Problem with lymph nodes
7. Insect bites
8. Certain medication
9. Pregnancy.

Now let us look at oedema in pregnancy since we are ladies here;

During pregnancy there's extra fluid in the body which increases to nurture both you and your baby and accumulates in your tissues as a result of increased blood flow and pressure from the growing uterus. This can cause swelling in the ankles and feet. The swelling tends to get worse as a lady's due date nears and at the end of the day. Oedema is very common and normal in pregnacy except in extreme cases where there is pain.

How to control Oedema

1. Avoid standing for long periods
2. Elevate your legs while sitting and avoid crossing your legs.
3. Dont sit or stand for too long
4. Stretch oftenly when sitting for long hours
5. Lose weight if necessary
6. Drink plenty of water
7. Exercise regularly
8. Cutting down salt consumption
9. Dont wear tight shoes or socks
10. Try to stay cool in hot weather

Elevating legs while sitting.

If oedema doesnot improve on its own or in cases where it gets worse and you experience high fever/ shivering, swelling feels too hot, only one foot or ankle is swollen and you have no idea as to why, when u have diabetes, then you please need urgent medical attention.

Cases where one foot is swelling.

I hope this write up is useful to someone out there.
May the Good Lord bless you all.