Edema: Difference between revisions
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People with edema may also present with a grey discoloration of the nail beds. | People with edema may also present with a grey discoloration of the nail beds. | ||
==Organ- | ==Organ-Specific Edema== | ||
Edema of specific organs ([[cerebral edema]], [[pulmonary edema]], [[macular edema]], [[pedal edema]]) may also occur, each with different specific causes to peripheral edema, but all based on the same principles. [[Ascites]] is effectively edema within the [[peritoneal]] cavity, as [[pleural effusion]]s are effectively edema in the [[pleural]] cavity. 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 [[peripheral edema]], [[pulmonary edema]], [[pleural effusion]]s and [[ascites]]. | Edema of specific organs ([[cerebral edema]], [[pulmonary edema]], [[macular edema]], [[pedal edema]]) may also occur, each with different specific causes to peripheral edema, but all based on the same principles. [[Ascites]] is effectively edema within the [[peritoneal]] cavity, as [[pleural effusion]]s are effectively edema in the [[pleural]] cavity. 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 [[peripheral edema]], [[pulmonary edema]], [[pleural effusion]]s and [[ascites]]. | ||
Revision as of 18:17, 4 April 2013
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| Skin: Pitting Edema; Gross, close-up of dorsum of hand with marked pitting edema. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology |
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Evidence Based Medicine |
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Ongoing Trials on Edema at Clinical Trials.gov Clinical Trials on Edema at Google
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US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Edema
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Definitions |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Edema Risk calculators and risk factors for Edema
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Edema (American English), oedema or œdema (British English), formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy, is the increase of interstitial fluid in any organ — swelling. Generally, the amount of interstitial fluid is in the balance of homeostasis. Increased secretion of fluid into the interstitium or impaired removal of this fluid may cause edema.
Pathophysiology
Generation of interstitial fluid is regulated by the Starling equation of tissue fluid which states that it depends on the balance of osmotic pressure and of hydrostatic pressure which act in opposite directions across the semipermeable capillary walls. Consequently, anything that increases oncotic pressure outside blood vessels (for example inflammation), or reduces oncotic pressure in the blood (states of low plasma osmolality, for example cirrhosis) will cause edema. Increased hydrostatic pressure inside the blood vessel (for example in heart failure) will have the same effect. If the permeability of the capillary walls increases, more fluid will tend to escape out of the capillary, as can happen when there is inflammation.
Causes
Abnormal removal of interstitial fluid is caused by obstruction of the lymphatic system, for example due to pressure from a cancer or enlarged lymph nodes, destruction of lymph vessels by radiotherapy, or infiltration of the lymphatics by infection such as elephantiasis.
People with edema may also present with a grey discoloration of the nail beds.
Organ-Specific Edema
Edema of specific organs (cerebral edema, pulmonary edema, macular edema, pedal edema) may also occur, each with different specific causes to peripheral edema, but all based on the same principles. Ascites is effectively edema within the peritoneal cavity, as pleural effusions are effectively edema in the pleural cavity. 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 peripheral edema, pulmonary edema, pleural effusions and ascites.
Common and usually harmless appearances of cutaneous edema are observed with mosquito bites and skin contact with certain plants (urticaria).
Edema may be found in the eyes after corrective surgery or procedures of that nature.
Edema in plants
Edema in plants is the extended swelling in plant organs caused primarily by an excessive accumulation of water since the cell wall is composed of flexible cllulose.
References
- Cho S, Atwood J (2002). "Peripheral oedema". Am J Med. 113 (7): 580–6. PMID 12459405.
External links
Template:Skin and subcutaneous tissue symptoms and signs Template:Nervous and musculoskeletal system symptoms and signs Template:Urinary system symptoms and signs Template:Cognition, perception, emotional state and behaviour symptoms and signs Template:Speech and voice symptoms and signs Template:General symptoms and signs
da:Ødem
de:Ödem
hr:Edem
io:Edemo
id:Sembab
it:Edema
he:בצקת
nl:Oedeem
no:Ødem
ksh:Hääzwasser
qu:Punkillikuy
sk:Opuch
sl:Edem
fi:Turvotus
sv:Ödem
uk:Набряк