Edema is swelling in the body caused by an excess fluid. Although it can happen anywhere, it usually affects the lower body, specifically the legs, feet, and ankles. If you press on a swollen area and a “pit”, or indentation remains, it’s called pitting edema. Most cases of pitting edema are dependent or peripheral. Dependent edema occurs as a result of gravity pulling blood down, which can lead to tissue swelling and most frequently affects the legs and feet. Peripheral edema, on the other hand, develops as a result of fluid retention in the peripheral tissues, including the hands, legs, and feet.
Pitting edema can be caused by a localized problem with the veins in the affected area or a systemic problem with the function of your heart, kidneys, or liver. Edema without pitting is more likely to be caused by issues with your thyroid or lymphatic system. Pitting edema can affect people of all ages because the risk factors are mostly diet and lifestyle-related. The main risk factors include eating too much salt, leading a sedentary lifestyle, being immobile while an extremity is in a dependent position, having emphysema or other severe lung disease, having heart disease, having multiple pregnancies, and being obese. The condition can also be affected by low protein levels and medications such as those used to treat high blood pressure and diabetes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and estrogens.
Swelling in your body may be accompanied by abnormal cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart murmur, low blood protein, and decreased stamina. Diagnosis of pitting edema need a comprehensive evaluation by your primary care provider. To determine the extent of the pitting edema, your doctor will push on your skin, measure the depth of the indention, and record how long it takes for your skin to rebound back to its original position. They will then grade it on a scale from 1-4.
Treatments depends on the cause of edema. It may include elevating the swollen limb, venous vascular procedures, use of compression stockings, and diuretics if the cause is due to congestive heart failure, liver, or kidney disease. Edema can also be prevented by maintaining an active lifestyle. Doing a regular physical activity promotes blood flow which may help in reducing swelling. Pitting edema is common and can be treated. If you notice any signs of edema, it’s important to contact a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND
References:
1. Osmosis.org
https://www.osmosis.org/answers/pitting-edema#:~:text=What%20is%20pitting%20edema%3F,legs%2C%20feet%2C%20and%20ankles.
